New measures to prevent the abuse of Singapore’s court processes through excessive or egregious litigation (“lawfare”) have been enacted through amendments to the Administration of Justice (Protection) Act (AOJPA), which came into force on 28 January 2025. The amendments explicitly define contempt of court to include knowingly deceiving the court, filing baseless claims, and initiating frivolous or vexatious legal proceedings for improper purposes, such as harassment or delaying justice.
The amendments address growing concerns over the misuse of legal processes both in Singapore and internationally, particularly where individuals or entities initiate groundless lawsuits or successive legal actions to oppress opponents, obstruct justice, or manipulate judicial outcomes. Under the new provisions, both parties to proceedings and legal advocates who knowingly engage in or facilitate such abuses can now be held in contempt of court. Additionally, non-parties who encourage or abet such conduct may also be liable.
However, the government has made it clear that these changes do not lower the existing threshold for contempt of court. Ordinary civil cases dismissed for lack of merit will not be affected, as they will continue to be handled through standard striking out procedures and cost orders. Lawyers and litigants who act in good faith and exercise reasonable care in pursuing claims will not be penalized. The courts will continue to exercise discretion in determining whether specific conduct crosses the line into contempt.
These reforms reinforce Singapore’s commitment to protecting the integrity of its judicial system by deterring abusive litigation tactics while safeguarding access to justice for legitimate claims. The government remains committed to ensuring a fair balance between litigants’ rights and the proper functioning of the courts.
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