Opinion ID: 2023816
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Necessity of a Bond

Text: In certain circumstances, a person seeking judicial review of an agency's action may request the reviewing court to stay an agency's action pending a decision by the court. Ind.Code § 4-21.5-5-9(a) (Statute). One condition for entry of a stay under the Statute is that: [A] bond is filed that is conditioned upon the due prosecution of the proceeding for review and that the petitioner will pay all court costs and abide by the order of the agency if it is not set aside. The bond must be in an amount and with a surety approved by the court. However, the amount of the bond must be at least five hundred dollars ($500). Ind.Code § 4-21.5-5-9(a)(2). Indiana Trial Rule 65(C) provides: No restraining order or preliminary injunction shall issue except upon the giving of security by the applicant, in such sum as the court deems proper, for the payment of such costs and damages as may be incurred or suffered by any party who is found to have been wrongfully enjoined or restrained. The trial court based the Injunction on both the Statute and on Tr.Rule 65, but it did not require Community to post a bond under either. The Court of Appeals held that Tr. Rule 65 does not require a bond in all cases but that the Statute requires the posting of a bond of at least five hundred dollars. FSSA, 641 N.E.2d at 1021-22. Because the trial court may decide on remand that no preliminary injunctive relief is warranted under current circumstances, the issue of whether Community must post a bond or provide other security may become moot on remand. Moreover, if injunctive relief is granted, the trial court may decide to order a bond under the Statute and/or Tr.Rule 65, which would also render this issue moot. This Court therefore finds it premature to address at this time the issue of whether a bond would be required.