Lawyers want embattled Justice Choudry to resign

May 09, 2010

LAWYERS have warned that the continued stay of embattled War Crimes Court judge Anup Singh Choudry is denting the image of the judiciary.

By Andante Okanya

LAWYERS have warned that the continued stay of embattled War Crimes Court judge Anup Singh Choudry is denting the image of the judiciary.

The lawyers, under their umbrella body, the Uganda Law Society (ULS), say the credibility of the judiciary risks a public vote of no confidence over a judge whose past has come under public scrutiny.

Bruce Kyerere, the ULS president, recently said they were still waiting for President Yoweri Museveni to institute a tribunal to resolve the matter.

Isaac Afuna, a city lawyer, on Saturday told The New Vision that Choudry should make his exit to save the judiciary further embarrassment.

“Justice Choudry’s best option is a graceful exit. Judges walk a thin line. Even if the tribunal absolved him of any wrongdoing, the damage would have already been done,”Afuna said.

Choudry was sworn in as judge on May 2, 2008. However, ULS petitioned the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in December 2008 over his misconduct while serving in Britain in 2000.

According to ULS, Choudry’ name was struck off the solicitors’ list for alleged fraudulent dealings.

British authorities closed his East London law firm after the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors disqualified him over reports that he falsely claimed £1m (sh3b) as costs when he acted for a Sikh leader in a libel case against the Sunday Times newspaper.

Choudry has in the past said only the President, who appointed him, can remove him from office. However, the President is yet to respond.

Lawyers at their recent annual general meeting in Mbale, asked the Principal Judge, James Ogoola, to compel Choudry to surrender the 11 court-case files he is holding until queries relating to his conduct are cleared.

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