“DON’T DESTROY THE IMAGE OF THE JUDICIARY” …Chief Justice Kamanda Advises Lawyers and Public Over Constitutional Case

Chief Justice Komba Kamanda delivered a sharp warning from the Supreme Court bench, telling lawyers, litigants and the public to stop any conduct that could damage the image of the judiciary while the Court hears a high-stakes constitutional matter.

Speaking firmly to a packed courtroom, the Chief Justice said the Court knows how much is riding on the case.
“Let me admonish everyone present, the Supreme Court is aware that this is a constitutional matter,” he said. “Constitutional matter ought to be treated with all seriousness. It is fundamental of which every democratic state is made of.”

Chief Justice Kamanda assured the nation that the Court would not be swayed by anything outside the law. He said the bench would interpret the Constitution “based on the law and public interest.”

He then reminded everyone that the matter is sub judice, meaning it is still before the court. He said people must watch how they behave both inside and outside the courtroom.
The Chief Justice said he was not trying to stop
public debate. He drew a clear line, though.
“I am not saying people should not discuss it. They should discuss, but in a bid to discuss, you don’t go into the content of what is before the court,” he said.

This is a direct message to commentators, politicians, social media users and the press: talk about the case, but don’t argue its merits in public while the judges are still deciding it.

In some of his strongest words, the Chief Justice said the Supreme Court alone has the constitutional mandate to interpret the law and deliver a ruling.
“Don’t do anything that is about to destroy the image. Let us respect our institutions,” he warned.

Chief Justice Kamanda also told the nation it would not have to wait forever for a decision. “We will do everything to make sure that we deal with this matter expeditiously,” he said.

The Chief Justice saved his sharpest words for the lawyers in the case. He reminded them that they owe a duty to the court as well as to their clients.

“I don’t expect lawyers to do anything that will put the profession in disrepute,” he said.
The warning suggests the bench is concerned about lawyers’ conduct, and about the public arguments around the case, as the hearing goes forward.