What is the main obligation of the plaintiff when proceedings are discontinued?

When proceedings are discontinued, the main obligation of the plaintiff is indeed to pay the defendant's costs as at the date the notice of discontinuance is filed. This obligation stems from the principle that a party who initiates legal proceedings and then decides to discontinue them should compensate the other party for the costs incurred in relation to the proceedings up to that point. This ensures that the defendant is not unfairly disadvantaged or burdened by the litigation process when the plaintiff chooses to withdraw their claim.

This requirement also promotes the efficient use of judicial resources by discouraging frivolous or unmeritorious claims. It serves as a safeguard for defendants against the potential abuse of the legal system, where a plaintiff might otherwise initiate claims without regard for the expenses and efforts of the defendant. Overall, this obligation reflects a broader principle of fairness in legal proceedings, requiring that parties bear responsibility for their actions within the litigation process.