By By: Alphanso G. Kalama
Monrovia, Liberia — The Supreme Court has announced it will hear a case concerning the constitutionality of actions taken by some members of the 55th Legislature’s House of Representatives. The case is set to be heard on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in the Temple of Justice.
The case, which questions certain legislative actions, was brought to the Court by a group of petitioners seeking clarity on whether those actions violate the constitution. The Court has ordered that the Minister of Justice and the implicated Members of the House of Representatives submit formal responses by the deadline.
In addition, the Court has issued an injunction requiring the members to “return to status quo ante” and cease any further legislative proceedings until the matter is fully adjudicated. This means that any decisions or actions taken by the involved members must be temporarily halted until the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The petitioners are asking the Court to rule on whether the actions of the lawmakers align with the constitutional framework, and whether they should be reversed or allowed to stand.
The case has garnered significant public attention as it could have far-reaching implications for the balance of powers within the Liberian government. Legal experts are closely monitoring the outcome, which could set a precedent for future constitutional challenges.
The Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case comes just days before the scheduled proceedings, highlighting the urgency and importance of the matter. The legal community and the public await the Court’s final determination on this pivotal issue.
The official returns to the Court must be filed by November 26, 2024, and the justices, including Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh, Associate Justices JameSetta H. Wolokolie, Yussif D. Kaba, Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., and Ceaineh D. Clinton-Johnson, will review the submissions before making a final ruling.
This case is expected to have significant political and legal ramifications in the coming weeks.
