By Priscilla Owusu Ansah & Beatrice Oppon
The Supreme Court has granted Parliament seven days to file its defence in Richard Sky’s suit against it over the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. Counsel for Parliament filed a motion for an extension of time to file the statement of case which has exceeded the stipulated time directed by the Supreme Court.
The lawyer representing Parliament Ralphael Banaangman referred to some paragraphs of their affidavit where reasons were given for the legal team’s inability to file the statement of defence on time. He explained that it was not deliberate or out of disrespect for the Court.
Chief State Attorney Sylvia Adesu did not oppose the application but disagreed with paragraph 20 of the affidavit which stated that since the Attorney-General’s Office has not filed its Statement of Case giving the plaintiff more time will not cause any delay.
Madam Adesu said the Office is waiting for the fiscal impact analysis from the Speaker of Parliament before responding. Counsel for Richard Sky, Paa Kwasi Abaidoo did not also oppose the application but submitted that he will only be able to file the Memorandum of Issues after the defendants have filed their Statements of Case.
Speaking after the Court hearing Mr Abaidoo debunked assertions that parties in the suit are deliberately delaying the process.
Mr. Paa Kwasi Abaidoo, Lawyer for Richard Dela Sky who has sued Parliament and the Attorney-General over the passage of the anti-gay bill, spoke to the media about the prospects.