Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs says thorough consultations were made on Judicial Reform Bills before their publication in the gazette.
Ministry spokesperson Frank Namangale made the remarks following recommendations from the Malawi Law Society (MLS) to refine key aspects of the bills before they are passed in parliament.
MLS president, Patrick Mpaka told journalists that they have taken the recommendations to Minister of Justice, Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament , Leader of the House and Leader of Opposition in Parliament for reflection and guidance.
The recommendations focus on issues such as the composition of the Judicial Service Commission, the appointment of the Attorney General and Solicitor General as judges and Justices of Appeal, and the powers of the Independent Complaints Commission in handling judicial misconduct.
The three draft bills include the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Judicial Service Administration Bill, 2024 and the Courts (Amendment), 2024.
Namangale said the MLS was also part of the institutions that were consulted and the ministry has left the matter with parliament to resolve.
“The Society has made the recommendations to Parliament, and we expect these matters will be addressed at that level’ ’he added.
The bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament before the August house rises.
By Secret Segula
