Section 9: Right of third parties to make representations
36.This section provides a safeguard where the making, variation or discharge of an order or not making a variation to an order or discharging it would be likely to have a significant adverse effect on someone who is not the subject of the order. This section gives the court the power to allow such persons to make representations at the hearing in relation to the making, variation or discharge of an order. Subsection (1) states that in such a situation, the High Court must, when considering the making of an order, on application by such a person, give the person the opportunity to make representations to the court if it considers that the making of an order would be likely to have a significant adverse effect on that person. Subsections (2) and (3) provide that the court must give a person the opportunity to make representations at a variation or discharge hearing if it considers that they are likely to be significantly adversely affected by a decision to vary, discharge or not vary or discharge.
37.Subsection (4) imposes a similar requirement on the Crown Court if it is considering making an order under section 19, or varying an order under its powers in sections 20 or 21, if it considers that the making or variation of an order (or the decision not to vary an order) is likely to have a significant adverse effect on that person.
38.Subsection (5) provides that, where a court is considering an appeal in relation to an order, it must, upon application, give a person the opportunity to make representations to the court if that person was given such an opportunity at the original hearing.
