M.V. Ocean Envoy and Another v. Al Linshirah Bulk Carriers Ltd. – sllr 2002 volume 2 page 337

In the dispute between the plaintiff seeking recovery of US $142,164.29 and the arrest of the vessel m.v. “OCEAN ENVOY” (respondent) and the defendants-appellants, the court examined the extent of Admiralty jurisdiction pursuant to the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act, No. 40 of 1983, and related procedural laws. The core issue addressed was whether a trial de novo should be granted when the case is predominantly based on documentary evidence. It was held that, absent a statutory mandate for a fresh trial in such circumstances, the court retains discretion to rely on the documentary record. The decision emphasized that re-hearing of witnesses is not obligatory and can be refused to prevent unnecessary hardship and delay. The legal reasoning reaffirmed that the Judicature Act and English preceden