Withdrawal of reference and unopposed references
20.—(1) The applicant may withdraw the reference—
(a)at any time before the hearing of the reference, without permission, by filing a notice in writing to that effect; or
(b)at the hearing of the reference, with the Tribunal’s permission,
and the Tribunal may determine any reference that is so withdrawn.
(2) The Regulator may state that it does not oppose the reference or that it is withdrawing its opposition to it—
(a)at any time before the hearing of the reference, without permission, by filing a notice to that effect; or
(b)at the hearing of the reference, with the Tribunal’s permission.
(3) In any case where—
(a)the Regulator files a notice in accordance with paragraph (2)(a);
(b)the Regulator does not file a statement of case within the time limit imposed by rule 5(1) (or any such time limit as varied under rule 12(e)); or
(c)the applicant does not file a reply within any time limit imposed by rule 6(1) (or any such time limit as varied under rule 12(e)),
the Tribunal may (subject to its power to give a direction pursuant to rule 15(7)) determine the reference without an oral hearing in accordance with rule 21, but it shall not dismiss a reference without notifying the applicant that it is minded to do so and giving him an opportunity to make representations.
(4) When determining proceedings pursuant to paragraph (1) or (3), the Tribunal may make a costs order under rule 26.