Saturday, September 29, 2007

Horizon Towers' Appeal Delayed By Requests From More Parties

Source : Channel NewsAsia, 29 September 2007

Lawyers representing the en bloc buyers and sellers of Horizon Towers were in court on Friday.

The sellers were supposed to appeal against a decision by the Strata Titles Board, which rejected their application to sell.

The Board had rejected their en bloc sale due to a technical error but this latest appeal was not even heard.

Instead, things got quite complicated when more parties appeared, all demanding to be involved in the case.

And they brought documents enough to form a mini-library.

These were filed by lawyers from six different firms.

One of them was Mr K Shanmugam, who wanted the court to allow HPL Properties, the buyers of Horizon Towers, to take part in the hearing.

He argued that HPL has a say since the outcome of the appeal will affect the buyers both economically and legally.

And then there was Mr Andre Yeap, who represents 13 homeowners.

He said this clients have their 'necks on the line' since they were the ones who initiated the property sale in the first place.

Four other lawyers then took turns in court to object these interventions.

The turn of events certainly disappointed some homeowners who were hoping that the case will be resolved soon.

Victor Ow, Majority Owner, Horizon Towers, said: "We're quite prepared to abide by the contract. But at the same time, do not push us around. And do not cast fear into our lives. And do disband us. If we need to sell our units and agree on whatever we have to agree by law, we're prepared to accept it."

And it was a three-hour long battle of words and arguments amongst six lawyers over who has the right to take part in the case.

What made matters more complicated was that the courtroom was too small to accommodate everyone.

Over 30 lawyers and their assistants turned up for the session, on top of 40 owners from Horizon Towers.

Extra chairs had to be brought in and the judge even requested for a bigger courtroom for the next hearing.

The case will be heard in the high court next Monday and the judge is expected to decide who can intervene in the case. - CNA/ch

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