written observations in reply within the timeframe fixed by the Court. 6. The intervening State shall be entitled, in the course of the oral proceedings, if any, to present its submissions in respect of the subject of the intervention. Rule 54 Joinder of Cases and Pleadings The Court may at any stage of the pleadings either on its own volition or in response to an application by any of the parties, order the joinder of interrelated cases and pleadings where it deems it appropriate, both in fact and in law. Rule 55 Judgments in Default 1. Whenever a party does not appear before the Court, or fails to defend its case, the Court may, on the application of the other party, pass judgment in default after it has satisfied itself that the defaulting party has been duly served with the application and all other documents pertinent to the proceedings. 2. Before acceding to the application of the party before it, the Court shall satisfy itself that it has jurisdiction in the case, and that the application is admissible and well founded in fact and in law. Rule 56 Out-of-Court Settlement 1. Parties to a case may settle their dispute amicably at any time before the Court gives its judgment. 34