Civil procedure: Judicial request for transfer of case jurisdiction (strămutare)

The High Court of Cassation and Justice dismissed the applicant's motion for the transfer (strămurare) of the civil case pending before the Cluj Court of Appeal, thereby leaving the original jurisdiction in place; this decision is final and not subject to appeal. The dispute concerned a procedural request to move a civil case to a different court due to alleged local bias or prejudice, involving a case designated for hearing on October 15, 2013, where the applicant had also requested judgment in absentia. The Court rejected the application, relying on the assessment that the procedural requirements for such a transfer were not met and adhering to the conclusions of the prosecutor to deny the reassignment of the case.