If the complaint is filed by a citizen or corporation it shall not be dismissed except upon a sworn statement made by the complainant and his or its attorney setting forth the reason why the action should be dismissed and upon the approval of such dismissal by the Attorney General or by the solicitor, in writing or in open court. If the court is of the opinion that the action ought not to be dismissed it may direct the Attorney General or solicitor to prosecute the action to judgment, and if the action is continued more than one term of court any citizen of the State may be substituted for the complaining party and prosecute the action to judgment. If the action is brought by a citizen or a corporation and the court finds there was no reasonable ground or cause for the action, the costs may be taxed to such citizen or corporation.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 10-1806; 1952 Code Section 10-1806; 1942 Code Section 577; 1932 Code Section 577; Civ. P. '22 Section 493; 1918 (30) 815.