Making a complaint
Possible complaint outcomes
When the Tribunal has completed its consideration of your case, the Tribunal will write to you with one of the following outcomes:
No Determination
Either the Tribunal is satisfied that there has been no conduct in relation to the complainant by any relevant body which falls within the jurisdiction of the Tribunal, or that there has been some official activity which is not in contravention of the Act.
Out of Jurisdiction
Under Rule 15(5)(d) of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal Rules 2018 (the Rules), the Tribunal has no power to investigate the complaint.
Out of Time
Under Rule 15(5)(b) or (c) of the Rules, the complaint is out of time and the time limit should not be extended.
Frivolous and / or Vexatious
Section 67(4) RIPA provides that the Tribunal is under no obligation to consider a complaint which is vexatious or frivolous.
A complaint is regarded as frivolous/unsustainable if it is lacking in foundation as to justify this description.
A complaint is regarded as vexatious if it is a repetition, or repeated repetition, of an earlier obviously unsustainable complaint by the same person. In those circumstances the Tribunal will dismiss the claim under Rule 15(5)(a).
Dismissed / Struck Out
The Tribunal cannot consider the complaint, for example, due to a defect such as the failure by a complainant to sign the form or comply with a request for information (after due warning).
Withdrawn
Complainant withdrew the complaint.
In Favour
The Tribunal have ruled in favour of the complainant.
