THE Supreme Court has concluded hearings on the constitutional reference regarding the 2013 Constitution, with Chief Justice Salesi Temo confirming that a judgment notice will be delivered “as soon as possible”.
Speaking to this newspaper after proceedings ended, Chief Justice Temo stressed the importance of public awareness on the case.
“It is a rule of more inaction,” Justice Temo said.
“Regarding the Cabinet rear referral to the Supreme Court.
“So, it’s good that it’s covered by the mass media for the benefit of the public.
“So that’s there, it’s in the public record, for us to have a look at it.”
He added that the Court’s decision will be delivered in due course, saying, “We’ll be delivering a judgment notice as soon as possible.”
Hearings were originally scheduled to run from August 18 to 22 to allow all nine interveners time to present their submissions. However, the Court completed proceedings within three days.
The advisory opinion will address the interpretation of the amendment provisions of the 2013 Constitution, specifically the processes and thresholds required for constitutional change.
It was initially expected by September 5, but with hearings ending early, the judgment may be handed down sooner.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka also reflected on the hearings.
“Each intervener has their own submissions,” he said.
“We (State) have submitted ours in writing and our oral submissions. We’ll leave it to the judges.”