What is the general rule regarding costs for interlocutory applications?

The correct understanding regarding the general rule on costs for interlocutory applications is that they follow the general costs of the proceedings. This means that when a party brings an interlocutory application, the costs associated with that application are typically dealt with in the same way as the costs for the entire action, adhering to the overarching principle that costs should generally follow the event.

In civil procedure, this principle intends to promote fairness and discourage frivolous claims, as the party that loses an application is often ordered to pay the costs of the successful party. Additionally, interlocutory applications that are pivotal to the case may ultimately influence the overall outcome, which further ties their costs to the general context of the proceedings.

While it is true that there could be exceptions based on the court's discretion, the norm is that they should reflect the overall costs in the same manner as other stages of litigation, thereby reinforcing the connection between interlocutory decisions and the final determination of the case.