They are the surviving members of a fourteen-person group known as “the Hooded Men” and are taking action against the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

The men have alleged that their claims of having been tortured have not been investigated.

A judge in the High Court in Belfast yesterday ruled that the case could be delayed further after the Northern Ireland Office said it needs extra time in order to examine relevant documents.

Hugh Southey QC, Blinne Ni Ghrálaigh of Matrix Chambers and Adam Straw of Doughty Street represent the men in the judicial review, instructed by Darragh Mackin of Belfast firm KRW Law.

Mr Mackin failed to have a firm date set for a full hearing into the case.

Francis McGuigan, spokesperson for the Hooded Men, said: “We’ve been attending this court for a year now to get this judicial review as to why the Royal Ulster Constabulary or the Police Service of Northern Ireland have refused to investigate our claim of torture.

“We’ve already been to the European Court way back in 1976 and 1978 and they still won’t release the documents to us to let the truth out, to let the truth be heard.”

He added: “I think they’re actually waiting until we all die off and hope that the case dies, but I’m going to tell them it’s not going to stop. If we don’t make it, our families will keep pushing it.”

The case will return to the High Court on 6 April.