It follows this year’s ruling quashing the PSNI’s decision to not take further steps to identify and prosecute their alleged torturers.

Lawyers returned to court this week to apply for a certificate allowing any challenge to the decision to leapfrog the Court of Appeal in Belfast and go straight to the UK Supreme Court in London.

Although no appeal has been confirmed, Mr Justice Maguire heard that the application was agreed by the parties.

Solicitor Darragh Mackin of Belfast firm KRW Law, representing the Hooded Men, told The Irish News: “Given the significant and importance of the issues in play, it is our view that this matter should proceed directly to the Supreme Court. One of our clients has sadly passed away since this case began. Time is of the essence.”