CJ mum on Integrity Act form

The Integrity Commission recently published a paid press advertisement which included judges and magistrates in the list of persons who must annually declare their interests.

However, in previous years, judges and magistrates have not been known to file declarations, as they apparently follow the argument that such compliance by the Judiciary would breach the principle of separation of powers as the Integrity Commission is a creature of Parliament, the Legislature.

When asked if he had declared his assets/income, Sharma told Newsday, “I don’t want to answer that.”

Meanwhile on June 21 Justice Judith Jones is due to rule on a test case brought by the Integrity Commission nominally against the Attorney-General as to whether the Integrity Act covers judges and magistrates, and board directors of State bodies.