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Hougang resident granted open court for by-election case
Thursday, Jul 05, 2012
SINGAPORE - A 42-year-old cleaner, who wants the Government to be made legally responsible for calling by-elections when an electoral seat becomes vacant, has been granted an open court date.
In the latest development to the case, Madam Vellama Marie Muthu, an Hougang resident, will be allowed to present her case on July 16 and 17.
Her lawyer Mr M. Ravi told the Straits Times (ST) that Justice Philip Pillai heard applications from Mdm Vellama and the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) in a closed-door session on Thursday.
The case has been to-ing and fro-ing in court since early March this year.
Justice Pillai had allowed for the case to be heard in open court in April but it was put on hold when the AGC appealed against the decision.
Mdm Vellama later offered to withdraw her bid if the Prime Minister declared in Parliament that he will call for a by-election within three months or a reasonable time of an electoral seat falling vacant.
However, the AGC rejected her offer and said it was proceeding with its application to strike out the Mdm Vellama's proceedings.
According to ST, Mr Ravi argued during the closed-door session that Mdm Vellama's argument should be heard as it has constitutional significance.
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Thursday, Jul 05, 2012
SINGAPORE - A 42-year-old cleaner, who wants the Government to be made legally responsible for calling by-elections when an electoral seat becomes vacant, has been granted an open court date.
In the latest development to the case, Madam Vellama Marie Muthu, an Hougang resident, will be allowed to present her case on July 16 and 17.
Her lawyer Mr M. Ravi told the Straits Times (ST) that Justice Philip Pillai heard applications from Mdm Vellama and the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) in a closed-door session on Thursday.
The case has been to-ing and fro-ing in court since early March this year.
Justice Pillai had allowed for the case to be heard in open court in April but it was put on hold when the AGC appealed against the decision.
Mdm Vellama later offered to withdraw her bid if the Prime Minister declared in Parliament that he will call for a by-election within three months or a reasonable time of an electoral seat falling vacant.
However, the AGC rejected her offer and said it was proceeding with its application to strike out the Mdm Vellama's proceedings.
According to ST, Mr Ravi argued during the closed-door session that Mdm Vellama's argument should be heard as it has constitutional significance.
[email protected]
