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The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

In response to further press enquiries on speeding up the handling of cases involving application for judicial review for right of abode, a spokesman for the Judiciary said as follows:

"The mission of the Judiciary is to maintain an independent, efficient and competent judicial system which upholds the rule of law. The system should ensure that cases are dealt with within a reasonable time.

For the purpose of effective case management, it has always been the policy of the Judiciary to adopt a flexible approach in deploying resources to handle a specific type of cases if the need arises.

As a result of the number of applications for judicial review in respect of right of abode claims filed recently, the Judiciary has deployed required resources and has adopted proactive case management to ensure that such claims are dealt with as promptly as practicable. The Judiciary stands ready to handle these cases as soon as they are ready for adjudication. However, it must be pointed out that this prompt progress depends to a large extent on the parties proceeding as expeditiously as possible.

It must be stressed that it is fundamental that the quality of justice be maintained and that this must not be compromised in any way. All parties must be given a fair and proper opportunity to prepare and present their cases.

These cases are listed in Constitutional and Administrative Law List of the High Court. The Judiciary will deploy more judges for these cases if necessary to ensure their speedy resolution.

As to the suggestion that a special court be established, if what is meant is a special court which is different from the present arrangement under the law for the handling of judicial review cases, it should be pointed out that there is at present no basis in law for such a special court."

End/Monday, August 7, 2000

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