Rafiq Khan SC appointed as temporary appellate judge

government supports judicial efficiency and independence by providing for the financial autonomy of the judiciary via the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Act of 2015; appropriating resources for the establishment of new buildings for the Land and Commercial registries and a new wing for the High Court; appointing judges to both the High Court and the Court of Appeal, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and an acting Chancellor and acting Chief Justice after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, again in accordance with the Constitution and initiating consultations for the substantive appointments to these posts and iterating its commitment to continuing to comply with the decisions of the Judicial Service Commission and court rulings.

Khan has been practising law for 33 years. According to Khan he was interviewed by the JSC in July last year following which there were some “hiccups in me getting rid of some of my work”. He explained that he agreed to the six months appointment.

According to Khan, he brings with him vast experience of civil procedure. “When you come out of private practice you bring a different perspective. I am not saying it’s a better perspective. You get wider views …and you had different legal experiences …that help to widen the scope and vision of the decision that you would eventually give as opposed to someone to come out of just a public service background”.

He assured that he is a hard worker and will be looking to expedite written decisions.

Among those in attendance were Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Attorney General SC Basil Williams and several SCs.