Prime Minister’s statement on the “Section 34” ruling
I am very pleased with this historic legal victory for the State in this unprecedented constitutional case. The ruling comprehensively dismissed the various grounds of challenge to the repeal of section 34.
As noted by the Court, the Government moved swiftly to repeal section 34 and drafted the repeal in a manner that nullified any legitimate expectations and retroactively cleared the way for the defendants to be tried.
The Government has been vindicated by this judgment which highlighted and relied on the quick action taken to repeal section 34. The court at paragraph 450 of the judgment made special mention of this fact when it stated “the retroactive repeal was also achieved expeditiously, so as to minimize the possibility of the claimant cting to his detriment on the basis of the opportunity to avail himself of the limitations provisions.”
I wish to congratulate the Honourable Attorney General and the DPP who were parties to this action. Indeed, the AG was a witness in this matter and gave sworn affidavit evidence which was underscored by the court. I commend their legal teams for their hard work and dedication in this important matter.
I was particularly pleased with the expeditious manner in which this case was heard and determined as it was obviously in the public interest to have this matter dealt with very quickly.
-END-
Communications and Media Relations Unit
Office of the Prime Minister