The High Court challenge into the inquiry by an Oireachtas sub-committee into the shooting dead of John Carthy has been adjourned until June 28th.
Thirty six gardaí are disputing almost all aspects of the work of the sub-committee, including its powers to compel the attendance of witnesses and to direct the production of documents.
John Carthy was shot dead by Garda marksmen in Abbeylara, Co Longford last year.
The challenge will further delay the inquiry which, legal sources believe, will not now resume until the judicial review action is determined.
Mr Justice Butler also gave permission to Mr John Rogers SC, for the gardaí, to apply on notice to the State for a stay on the work of the sub-committee pending the outcome of the judicial review challenge.
The judge said he would not grant a stay on an ex-parte basis.