Court adjourns Bill 10 case to next Tuesday

THE Lusaka High Court has set July 14 this year, as date of hearing the application where leader of the opposition Jack Mwiimbu has asked the court to direct Speaker of the National Assembly to stop deliberations in relation to Constitutional Amendment Bill No 10 of 2019.

High Court judge Sharon Newa will preside over the matter.

In this matter, Mr Mwiimbu, who is UPND Monze Central Member of Parliament (MP0 has challenged the continued debate on Constitutional Amendment Bill No 10 of 2019 regardless of the fact that the Bill lapsed on June 4 this year.

Mr Mwiimbu argued in his Application for judicial review that the decision of the Speaker, Patrick Matibini was unreasonable and unjustifiable because the Bill lapsed on June 4.

He said the Bill was not amenable to further consideration, debate or process in the National Assembly .

He cited the Attorney General, Likando Kalaluka, as the defendant in the matter.

“The decision is illegal, null and void," Mr Mwiimbu said.

He argued that the National Assembly failed to follow laid down procedure and subsequently deferred the Bill for consideration on a date yet to be advised.

Mr Mwiimbi contended that this was despite the fact that the Bill was 'killed' upon its lapsing on June 4 this year.

He wants the Speaker to discontinue any further consideration, debate or other proceedings in relation to Bill 10.

He is further seeking any other relief that the court may deem fit and that cost must be paid by the State.