General Medical Council, R (on the application of) v Vinayagamoorthy

1. MRS JUSTICE BLACK: This is a case in which there is an interim order of suspension of the doctor. It was first imposed in August of 2006 and has been in force since then by virtue of a combination of the GMC's own activities and the orders of this court. The reason for the doctor's difficulty is that he faces various criminal charges in the United States with regard to supporting the Tamil Tigers of Sri Lanka. He is to stand trial on 6th April 2009 and is presently in custody in the United States. In those circumstances, it seems to me that there is really no alternative but to extend the interim suspension, which seems entirely appropriate in these circumstances, and I intend to do that for 12 months from 28th February 2009.

2. I should indicate that, although there has been proper service of today's hearing, there has been no response on behalf of the doctor to the application for an extension of the interim suspension.

3. MR LAMBIS: Thank you, my Lady. There is an application for costs. There is a statement of costs.

4. MRS JUSTICE BLACK: Do you know what the six hours have been taken up doing by the grade D fee-earner?

5. MR LAMBIS: My Lady, I can only assume it is dealing with the preparation of the brief for me and also dealing with the United States in trying to get contact with the defendant, unfortunately to no avail, but --

6. MRS JUSTICE BLACK: So you want me to -- I am entirely prepared to grant the costs of this necessary application. You would like them to be summarily assessed in the sum of £2,446.

7. MR LAMBIS: My Lady, yes please.

8. MRS JUSTICE BLACK: Yes. All right.

9. MR LAMBIS: Thank you. I am very grateful.

10. MRS JUSTICE BLACK: Shall we put this on the court file?

11. MR LAMBIS: Yes please.

12. MRS JUSTICE BLACK: Thank you.