Judge testifies in benefits case against gov’t

After pending for more than two years, the trial of the case where former Justice Jainarayan Singh Jnr is suing the government for pension and gratuity recommenced yesterday before Justice Nareshwar Harnanan.

The former judge is suing for in excess of $50M worth in pension, gratuity and other benefits which he said are owed to him.

Since its initial commencement in 2011 before Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang, the trial finally restarted before Justice Harnanan who is hearing the case.

Chief Justice Chang had recused himself from hearing the matter, citing a conflict of interest.

The retired judge in his evidence-in-chief led by his attorney Stephen Fraser, testified from the witness box yesterday, that since vacating office in 2008, he has received none of the benefits which are constitutionally owed to him.

The case continues on Monday morning at 9 when attorneys representing the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers are expected to cross-examine Singh.

The case is being heard at the High Court in Georgetown.

The AG, the Accoun-tant General, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and Chancellor of Judiciary (Ag) Carl A Singh, in his capacity as Chairman and Member of the JSC are listed as the defendants.

The former judge retired at age 62, after eight years of service as a Puisne Judge at the Supreme Court of Judica-ture from August 10, 2000 to September 30, 2008.

Attorneys Judy Stuart and Rajindra Jaigobin are appearing for the AG’s chambers.