CV2025-01220 Atticus Development Ltd v Registrar General

A major legal victory for S.M. O’Neil & Associates.

The High Court of Trinidad and Tobago has ruled that the Registrar General’s attempt to enforce exclusive electronic filing via the CROS system is illegal, null, and void. 

In Atticus Development Ltd v Registrar General, Justice Frank Seepersad found that the Registrar exceeded his authority by eliminating hard-copy submissions, despite the Companies Act clearly allowing physical filings.

The Court also held that an “online-only” approach is procedurally unfair and creates barriers to access, undermining the public’s legitimate expectation of a fair and inclusive system. An Order of Mandamus has been granted, compelling the acceptance of hard-copy documents.

This decision reaffirms a fundamental principle: modernization must never override the law or restrict access to justice.

Special thanks to Ms. Kelly Beharry-Latchman and Ms. Allanna Rivas for their valuable contributions.