While congratulating the newly appointed Chief Justice - the Law Association too has raised questions over the process of Justice Boodoosingh's appointment and his ultimate selection for the post.
00:00The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago, while moving to congratulate newly appointed C.J. Justice Rani Budu Singh, raised concerns about the process of his appointment, stating, open quote,
00:11the hastened and truncated process which led to his appointment has not escaped our attention.
00:18We note the requirement enshrined in Section 102 of our Constitution for the President to consult with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition regarding the appointment of a Chief Justice, close quote.
00:30Latt pointed out that on settled principles, open quote, the constitutional obligation to consult requires the President to inform those with whom he must consult of his proposed candidate or candidates and the reasons supporting his preliminary choice.
00:46That consultation takes place at a point in time when the President has not yet made up his mind, that adequate time be given for consideration of the President's proposal and for a response,
00:57and that the President give conscientious consideration to the consultee's response before making his decision.
01:03Given the extraordinarily short period of time over which consultation occurred in this instance, it is highly unlikely that any of these settled principles were satisfied, close quote.
01:17Latt said it was extremely important that, open quote, an appointment to the highest office in our judiciary is grounded in transparency and in accordance with the parameters of our Constitution.
01:28While we appreciate the unexpected timing of the then sitting Chief Justice's resignation, we are equally satisfied that the appointment to fill the vacancy demands proper and reasonable consultation by all relevant stakeholders as prescribed by the Constitution.
01:46Unfortunately, the information we have at this time does not allow us to conclude that a reasonable process of consultation was undertaken before making a substantive appointment, close quote.
01:56Notwithstanding the conscientious appointment and process in the eyes of the public domain, Latt said, open quote,
02:04We are very confident in the capability of Justice Bulu Singh to take on the leadership of our judiciary and wish him every success doing what we anticipate shall be an exceptionally productive and a visionary tenure, close quote.
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