DPP withdraws objections to Holder-Allen
Stabroek News
October 5, 2002
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has withdrawn the application for writs of certiorari and prohibition to prevent acting Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen from presiding over the preliminary inquiry into the charge of treason against Mark Benschop and Phillip Bynoe.
A notice of withdrawal and discontinuance signed by Senior Counsel Ashton Chase for the DPP, Dennis Hanomansingh, and dated September 6 was delivered to attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes, who appeared on Holder-Allen’s behalf, on Tuesday.
On July 24, Chief Justice Carl Singh granted an order nisi on an application by Hanomansingh, on the grounds that it would be unreasonable and a breach of natural justice for Holder-Allen to proceed with the matter.
When the case was called on July 29 before the Chief Justice, Hughes was granted 14 days leave to file an affidavit in response to the motion.
Hughes at that time indicated his intention to raise preliminary points regarding what he said were procedural errors relative to the said application. Hughes had filed his affidavit in response on September 10.
The matter was then scheduled for continuation on August 19 but the Chief Justice was reportedly out of the jurisdiction on that date.
Also representing the DPP’s interest were attorneys Khemraj Ramjattan and Rafiq Khan.