LEGAL EXPERT DEFENDS CJ RONNIE BOODOOSINGH

A legal commentator pushes back against suggestions that the appointment of Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh as Chief Justice was unlawful or improper.

Transcript

00:00Attorney-at-law Kyle Taklalsing says there's no dispute over Justice Buda Singh's suitability for the position of Chief Justice,

00:09describing him as a jurist with sound temperament, intellect and a strong commitment to developing the legal profession,

00:17particularly through the mentorship of young attorneys.

00:21Taklalsing says in a Facebook post, quote, there's nothing illegal about his appointment.

00:26The acting president holds the same constitutional powers as the substantive president.

00:32The real question is not one of legality but propriety.

00:37And there's no evidence that acting president Mark acted outside his authority, end quote.

00:43He dismissed as illogical, claims that only the substantive president, Christine Kangaloo,

00:48should have made the appointment, saying the constitution gives full presidential powers to whoever holds the acting post.

00:56Taklalsing says, quote, if the framers of the constitution intended to limit the powers of an acting president,

01:02they would have said so. They did not, end quote.

01:05He also rejected what he called conspiracy theories that Chief Justice Archie's resignation was timed

01:11to allow Mr. Mark to appoint his successor, saying there's no evidence to support that view.

01:18On the question of consultation, Taklalsing argued the process was fair and lawful,

01:23noting that both the prime minister and the opposition leader were consulted

01:27and that the opposition leader was aware the pool of candidates came from the Court of Appeal.

01:33The attiree adds, quote, given the suddenness of the vacancy and the experience of consultees,

01:38it cannot reasonably be said that consultation came too late or without enough information.

01:44Fairness is the test. And that test was met, end quote.

01:49He pointed out that the opposition leader declined to nominate anyone from the Court of Appeal

01:54and instead recommended an acting appointment, a move, he said, undermines claims of insufficient information.

02:01He says it's difficult to argue unfairness when you were invited to propose a candidate but declined to do so.

02:07In conclusion, Taklalsing insisted the acting president exercise his constitutional duty lawfully and in good faith,

02:15adding that while public scrutiny is healthy, criticism should be grounded in fact, not speculation.