Rule 47 Amendment of Pleadings 1. A party may, subject to the approval of the Court, amend its pleadings before the close of pleadings. 2. A request for amendment of pleadings shall be made by a written notice explaining the specific part of the pleadings to be amended. The request shall also state the reasons thereof. 3. If the request is made after the close of pleadings, the Court may grant leave on exceptional basis. Rule 48 Dismissal of Application without Merit 1. Where the Court considers that the Application is manifestly unfounded, it shall dismiss it, giving reasons for its decision without having to summon the parties to appear, and the parties shall be duly notified of that decision. 2. In any case, where the Registry receives an Application from an individual or NonGovernmental Organization, the Registrar shall verify with the AU Commission whether the State against which the Application has been filed is a party to the Protocol or has deposited the Declaration in terms of Article 34(6) of the Protocol. Where the Protocol has not been ratified or the Declaration has not been deposited, the Registrar shall not register the Application, and shall inform the Applicant of the reason(s) thereof. Rule 49 Examination of Jurisdiction and Admissibility 1. The Court shall conduct preliminary examination of its jurisdiction and the admissibility of an Application in accordance with the Charter, the Protocol and these Rules 34 | P a g e