When exercising the discretion to extend the validity of a stale writ under O 7 r 1(2), the court must weigh all countervailing considerations and, where the limitation period has not expired, must take that factor into account in evaluating whether an extension is required in the interests of justice. Where a plaintiff has no satisfactory explanation for delay, did not productively use the validity period, and the prejudice from refusal would be self-inflicted, the interests of justice will not require extension — particularly where equitable causes of action not subject to limitation periods remain available.
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