AG defends counter-claim against CBS
Jul 11, 2010
THE Attorney General (AG) on Friday defended the counter-claim against the currently closed CBS radio, saying it was filed at the High Court to protect the general public.
By Andante Okanya
and Angella Nalumansi
THE Attorney General (AG) on Friday defended the counter-claim against the currently closed CBS radio, saying it was filed at the High Court to protect the general public.
Patricia Mutesi, the Principal State Attorney who represented the Attorney General, told the court presided over by Justice Vincent Zehurikize, that the AG has a duty to defend the “public’s right to enjoy law and orderâ€.
In the counter-claim, filed at the High Court on February 12, the AG said CBS should pay the Government “aggravated damages for inconveniences caused as a result of the station’s unwarranted actsâ€.
“I wish to inform the court that the counter-claim is brought on behalf of the general public, and not a special class of people,†Mutesi said.
She was replying to the preliminary objections raised on Thursday by the CBS lawyers led by Frederick Ssempebwa.
They argued that the AG had no right to sue, since the counter-claim does not specify the persons who are party to the claim and the rights violated.
But Mutesi argued that the Electronic Media Act does not prohibit civil actions arising from breach of statutory duty, arguing that the AG is duty bound to sue on behalf of the public who are affected by unethical standards.
She asked the court to dismiss or overrule the preliminary objections raised.
and Angella Nalumansi
THE Attorney General (AG) on Friday defended the counter-claim against the currently closed CBS radio, saying it was filed at the High Court to protect the general public.
Patricia Mutesi, the Principal State Attorney who represented the Attorney General, told the court presided over by Justice Vincent Zehurikize, that the AG has a duty to defend the “public’s right to enjoy law and orderâ€.
In the counter-claim, filed at the High Court on February 12, the AG said CBS should pay the Government “aggravated damages for inconveniences caused as a result of the station’s unwarranted actsâ€.
“I wish to inform the court that the counter-claim is brought on behalf of the general public, and not a special class of people,†Mutesi said.
She was replying to the preliminary objections raised on Thursday by the CBS lawyers led by Frederick Ssempebwa.
They argued that the AG had no right to sue, since the counter-claim does not specify the persons who are party to the claim and the rights violated.
But Mutesi argued that the Electronic Media Act does not prohibit civil actions arising from breach of statutory duty, arguing that the AG is duty bound to sue on behalf of the public who are affected by unethical standards.
She asked the court to dismiss or overrule the preliminary objections raised.