Supreme Court judge Karunakaran suspended |11 October 2016

Supreme Court Judge Durai Karunakaran was yesterday suspended by President James Michel, effective immediately, from performing the functions of a judge.

This follows the decision of the Constitutional Appointments Authority, under Article 134 (2)(a) of the Constitution, to set up a Tribunal of Inquiry into the continued ability of Judge Karunakaran to perform the functions of Judge of the Supreme Court.

The President’s suspension of Judge Karunakaran is in line with Article 134 (4) of the Constitution.

As a result of Judge Karunakaran’s suspension, the Court is making immediate arrangements to ensure minimal delays in case proceedings and to reduce the impact it has on any and all cases currently before the Court.

As the matter will be taken up by the Committee of Inquiry, it will be treated as sub judice [under investigation] and the Judiciary has said it will answer no further questions on the matter, except with regard to the administration of specific cases.