What Is an Interim Order? Types of Injunctions in Cyprus.

What Is an Interim Order? Types of Injunctions in Cyprus (2025 Guide)

An interim order, also known as an interim injunction, is a temporary court order requiring a party to either perform or refrain from performing certain actions until the final decision of the case is issued.

Interim orders serve as protective legal remedies designed to preserve the subject matter of the dispute, prevent irreparable harm, or secure justice. In Cyprus, the power to issue such orders is conferred under Section 32 of the Courts of Justice Law, including orders with international reach.

Types of Interim Orders and Injunctions in Cyprus

Cyprus courts do not operate with a rigid list of interim orders. The nature and wording of each injunction is tailored to the specific circumstances of the case. However, the two main categories are:

• Prohibitory Injunctions: Prevent the respondent from doing a specific act.
• Mandatory Injunctions: Compel the respondent to take a specific action within a set timeframe.

Common Types of Interim Injunctions in Cyprus

1. Freezing Injunctions (Mareva Injunctions)
2. Norwich Pharmacal Orders (Disclosure Orders)
3. Chabra Orders
4. Search Orders (Anton Piller Orders)
5. Anti-Suit Injunctions
6. Quia Timet Injunctions

1. Mareva Injunction – Freezing Orders

Known as a Mareva Injunction (from the case Mareva Compania Naviera SA v. International Bulkcarriers SA), this order is used to freeze the respondent’s assets to ensure that a future judgment will be enforceable.

These assets may be movable or immovable, located in Cyprus or abroad. For foreign-based assets, the respondent must be domiciled or have sufficient presence in Cyprus to fall under the Court’s jurisdiction.

2. Norwich Pharmacal Orders – Disclosure of Information

This order compels a third party who is involved (even innocently) in wrongdoing to disclose information about the actual wrongdoer. It originates from Norwich Pharmacal Co v. Customs and Excise Commissioners.

Conditions for Granting:

1. A wrong has been (or is arguably being) committed.
2. The requested disclosure is necessary to pursue legal action.
3. The respondent is involved in the wrongdoing and holds the information.

These orders are essential for uncovering hidden parties behind commercial fraud, IP breaches, or asset concealment.

Conditions for Granting Interim Orders in Cyprus

In Odysseos Andreas v. A. Pieris Estates Ltd, the Supreme Court of Cyprus outlined the three requirements for an interim injunction to be granted:

1. There must be a serious issue to be tried.
2. There must be a probability of success on the part of the applicant.
3. There must be a risk that justice will be denied if the order is not granted at an early stage.

These conditions apply whether the injunction is sought in civil litigation, commercial disputes, or cross-border claims.

Ex Parte Interim Orders in Cyprus

In urgent situations, a Cyprus court may grant an interim order ex parte, i.e. without notifying the respondent. This is allowed when:

• There is of evidence destruction or asset concealment
• Delay could render the final judgment ineffective

After the order is issued ex parte, the respondent is notified and has the right to object. The Court will later decide whether the interim order will remain in force pending the final outcome of the case.

Practical Use of Interim Injunctions

Interim orders are used to:

• Prevent dissipation of assets before judgment
• Preserve evidence (e.g. emails, documents, devices)
• Force disclosure of assets or identities of wrongdoers

They are especially useful in international litigation, commercial fraud, employment law breaches, and high-stakes shareholder or partnership disputes.

Key Takeaways

• Interim orders in Cyprus are flexible legal tools with wide-ranging applications
• They can be granted with or without notice, depending on urgency
• They help ensure that final court decisions are meaningful and enforceable

Need Assistance with Interim Orders in Cyprus?

If you’re considering an application for an injunction in Cyprus—whether a freezing order, disclosure order, or emergency injunction—our litigation team can help.

📩 Contact us today for legal advice and representation in urgent interim relief applications.