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On appeal from: [2018] EWCA Civ 1100.

This appeal considered whether the court had jurisdiction to grant relief from forfeiture on the facts of the case. The appellant argued that in relation to land the courts can only relieve parties from the forfeiture of proprietary rights – which, on the facts of the case, would exclude Vauxhall’s contractual rights under the Licence. Vauxhall argued that the doctrine is broad enough to protect any right to use land.

Held: The Supreme Court unanimously dismissed the appeal. The Court rejected the appellant’s argument that, in the context of land, equitable relief is only available for forfeiture of property rights, as opposed to a right to possession under a contract.

For judgment, please download: [2019] UKSC 46
For Court’s press summary, please download: Court’s Press Summary
For a non-PDF version of the judgment, please visit: BAILII

To watch the hearing please visit: Supreme Court website: 9 July 2019 morning session, afternoon session and 10 July 2019 morning session.