The High Court has reserved judgment on a dispute over the alleged failure to discover documents in proceedings taken by a man who claims he was a partner in the public relations firm Murray Consultants.

The discovery hearing opened at the High Court last month but was adjourned until a later date. It resumed before Mr Justice O'Sullivan on Thursday and legal submissions concluded yesterday. Judgment was reserved.

The discovery dispute relates to proceedings initiated by Mr Terence P Horgan against Mr Patrick Joseph Murray and Mr Jim Milton of Murray Consultants.

Mr Terence P Horgan claims Murray Consultants was founded in 1974 and that he was an equal partner up to 1995 with Mr Patrick Joseph Murray and Mr Jim Milton when he claims the relationship broke down between the parties. He claims he was effectively excluded from the business of the company since late 1996.

He has initiated proceedings against his former colleagues and, in the discovery hearing, claimed Mr Murray and Mr Milton have failed to discover all the documents which he requires for those proceedings.

He is seeking an order striking out the points of defence submitted on behalf of Mr Murray and Mr Milton because of their alleged failure to comply with court orders.

Mr Paul Gardiner, for Mr Horgan, has submitted that all the documents referred to were privileged and were related to furtherance of litigation.