JSC withdraws Supreme Court case on appointing judges to superior courts

Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has withdrawn their case from the Supreme Court, regarding the appointment of judges to superior courts, citing that the Supreme Court is stalling the case.

JSC appealed the case in Supreme Court after the High Court declared that the Commission had acted against the Constitution and the law on judges when, in July 2011, they had shortlisted the names who had responded to their announcement seeking judges to superior courts.

JSC revealed that they decided to withdraw the case during the 73rd meeting of the Commission held on 31st of July. The case was first filed in the Supreme Court at around mid 2012.

They said that they are unable to continue the process of appointing judges to superior courts because Supreme Court has issued an injunction against continuing the process.

JSC also stated that the number of cases filed in courts are increasing and their inability to appoint new judges is subsequently causing difficulties to the courts to implement justice.

The Commission said that the Supreme Court has failed to expedite the matter event after repeated requests.

The case initially filed at the High Court signed by numerous practicing lawyers.