ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION:
[83]
I am of the considered view that at this stage of the proceedings the Court is concerned
whether or not there is a cause of action pleaded by the Claimants and not whether the
Defendant(s) committed any wrong doing or whether the Defendant (s) is liable for any
alleged wrong doing. Accordingly, the Court is not concerned at this time whether the
Speaker’s decision was flawed in any way. The Court has to determine whether there
are any causes of action pleaded or established by the Claimant.
[84]
I have perused the terms of Section 40 of the Constitution and find that the arguments
advanced by Learned Counsel Mrs. Baron-Royer are correct. This section does not
create a right that is capable of being violated by the Speaker as alleged by the
Claimants.
[85]
I find the statement of the Supreme court of Vanuatu in the Tari v. Natapei 27 to be
instructive in this regard:
“In as much as the Standing Orders of Parliament have an
effect and influence upon the Constitutional rights of all
members of Parliament, in accordance with Clause 6 of the
Constitution any person aggrieved, is at liberty to apply to the
Supreme Court..... ....The Constitution does not provide that
what happens in Parliament is to be treated differently than
any other breaches of lawful rights guaranteed by the
Constitution.
It necessarily follows therefore that the Supreme Court is the
body which under the Constitution is charged with determining
whether rights have been infringed or responsibilities
disregarded.”
[86]
I am of the view that the Court derives its jurisdiction from section 40 ... to determine
whether rights have been infringed or responsibilities disregarded. It is clear that Section
40 of the Constitution establishes the jurisdiction of the Court to entertain applications, to
hear matters and does not create a right, restriction or requirement or any such thing that
is capable of being violated. I do not read this section as capable of being breached by the
Defendant(s) and accordingly agree with the submissions of Counsel for the Defendant. I
27
[2001] VUCA 18 Civil Case No 11 of 2001 (1 November 2001)
24