A legal challenge has been initiated contesting President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s decision to extend Clifton Hicken’s term as the acting Police Commissioner. Anil Nandlall, the Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, revealed that the challenge was filed by Carol Joseph, Chief Elections Scrutineer of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).
Nandlall stated that his office was served with the legal documents on Monday. The crux of the challenge revolves around the contention that the extension of Hicken’s acting tenure is illegal. She argues that the law does not allow for an acting commissioner’s tenure to be extended. She is seeking a court declaration to overturn Ali’s decision. Nandlall discussed these details in his recent “Issues in the News” programme.
He expressed his confidence that the President’s actions will be upheld in court. He affirmed that the President’s decisions align with the provisions of both the Constitution and the Constitution (Prescribed Matters) Act of 1967.
The Attorney General put forth the argument that there is no legal provision that prohibits the extension of Hicken’s service even beyond the age of retirement. He emphasized that whether in an acting or substantive role, individuals in such positions hold all the associated powers, privileges, and facilities of the office.
