4.  The applicant was born in 1952 and lives in Szeged. 5.  In September 1997 the applicant was dismissed from work. On 12 November 1997 he challenged the employer's decision in court. 6.  After a hearing on 30 April 1998 before the Budapest Labour Court, on 4 June 1998 the case was transferred to the Pest Central District Court. This court discontinued the proceedings on 21 October 1999, because the applicant, although properly summoned, failed to appear. At his request, the case was continued on 22 February 2000 but was immediately stayed, again at his request. He demanded the continuation of the proceedings on 4 August 2000. 7.  After a hearing on 26 April 2001, on 2 May 2002 the District Court found that it had no jurisdiction in the case and requested the appropriate designation by the Supreme Court. On 22 May 2002 the Budapest Labour Court was appointed to hear the case. 8.  After a hearing on 21 January 2003, on 6 May 2003 the Budapest Labour Court found for the applicant, established that his dismissal had been unlawful and awarded him compensation. 9.  On appeal, on 28 November 2003 the Budapest Regional Court upheld in essence the first instance decision, increased the award, but dismissed the remainder of the applicant's compensation claims. 10.  On 23 March 2004 the applicant filed a petition for review. On 26 January 2005 the Supreme Court dismissed the petition. This decision was served on the applicant on 7 March 2005.