PROCEDURE

The case originated in an application (no. 57764/00) against the Republic of Poland lodged with the Court under Article 34 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (“the Convention”) by a Polish national, Mrs Helena Rybczyńska (“the applicant”), on 18 November 1999.

The Polish Government (“the Government”) were represented by their Agent, Mr J. Wołąsiewicz of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On 22 August 2005 the Court decided to communicate the application. Applying Article 29 § 3 of the Convention, it decided to rule on the admissibility and merits of the application at the same time. It further gave priority of the application in view of the applicant’s age, pursuant to Rule 41 of the Rules of the Court.

THE FACTS

I. THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CASE

On an unspecified date in 1976 the applicant’s neighbour cut several trees on a plot of land which allegedly belonged to the applicant’s mother. Consequently, proceedings aimed at the determination of ownership of the controversial strip of land were initiated. On 15 April 1981 administrative proceedings concerning the ownership of the land were reopened. On 10 June 1983 the administrative organ referred the dispute to a civil court.

On 29 April 1983 the applicant’s mother died and the applicant became a party to the proceedings.

On 19 June 1988 the Sucha Beskidzka District Court (Sąd Rejonowy) gave a decision. Upon the applicant’s appeal, on 17 February 1989 the Bielsko Biała Regional Court (Sąd Wojewódzki) quashed this decision and remitted the case.

On 22 June 1989 the court stayed the proceedings as the applicant had failed to indicate the addresses of some of the parties to the proceedings.

The applicant on six occasions unsuccessfully requested the court to resume the proceedings. The proceedings were finally resumed by the Sucha Beskidzka District Court on 8 June 1995.

On 9 and 27 June 1995 the court held hearings. On 5 June 1996 the proceedings were again stayed. They were resumed on 11 September 1996.

On 7 and 21 January 1997 the Sucha Beskidzka District Court held hearings. On the latter date the court ordered that an expert opinion be obtained. On 19 November 1997 the court ordered the expert to pay a fine because he had failed to submit his report within the prescribed time‑limit.

Further hearings were held on 19 December 1997, 23 September 1998 and 2 October 1998.

On 2 October 1998 the Sucha Beskidzka District Court gave a decision. On 8 April 1999 the District Court rejected the applicant’s appeal for failure to comply with formal requirements.

On 21 May 1999 the Bielsko Biała Regional Court rejected the applicant’s interim appeal.