The Rules of the High Court

Within 7 days after the acknowledgment of issue or service of the writ by
                    one of the defendants named therein by their names or, if none of them
                    acknowledges issue or service, within 7 days after the time limited for
                    acknowledging service, the plaintiff, without serving a statement of claim, must
                    take out a summons returnable in chambers before the Registrar asking for a
                    decree limiting his liability or, in default of such a decree, for directions as
                    to the further proceedings in the action.