Upon the filing of the petition and after hearing, of which due notice shall be given to all parties, the court, if the allegations of the petition have been estab- lished and are found to be sufficient, shall enter an order allowing intervention; but an application for intervention may be refused, if
Rule 2329.Action of court on petition.
Adopted June 7, 1940 · Last amended April 18, 1975 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceAfter notice and a hearing, the court may refuse intervention if the petitioner’s interest is already adequately represented, the petitioner delayed, or intervention would unduly delay or prejudice the case.
Full Text of Rule 2329
(1) the claim or defense of the petitioner is not in subordination to and in recognition of the propriety of the action; or
(2) the interest of the petitioner is already adequately represented; or
(3) the petitioner has unduly delayed in making application for intervention or the intervention will unduly delay, embarrass or prejudice the trial or the adjudication of the rights of the parties.
Plain-English Summary
This is the decision rule. The court gives notice to the parties, holds a hearing, and then rules on the petition. It may turn the request down on stated grounds: the existing parties already protect the same interest, the petitioner waited too long, or letting the person in would slow the case or harm those already in it.
Frequently Asked Questions
On what grounds can a court deny intervention?
When the petitioner’s interest is already adequately represented, when the petition comes too late, or when intervention would unduly delay, embarrass, or prejudice the rights of the parties.
Do the parties get a say before the court rules?
Yes. The rule calls for notice to all parties and a hearing before the court acts on the petition.
Official Note
Official Note: Adopted June 7, 1940. Effective February 3, 1941. Amended April 18, 1975. Effective Immediately, 5 Pa.B. 1820.
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as: court ruling on interventiondenial of intervention