High court judge Jean Kayira describes unnecessary court proceedings adjournment as one main factor for delayed justice

By Chisomo Phiri

High Court Judge Judge Jean Kayira has described the frequent unnecessary adjournment of court proceedings as one of the main factors for delayed justice in the Malawi’s courts.

According to Kayira, presiding magistrates should be stricter and must evaluate every aspect before any adjournment is made

Kayira made the call in Zomba on Friday during the launch of the nationwide Pro Bono Legal Services Scheme organised by the Malawi Law Society (MLS) at Sekwere Primary School in the area of Traditional Authority(T/A) Mwambo.

She said pro bono legal services provide benefits to the community that otherwise would not be available.

“Therefore unnecessary adjournment of cases may disappoint the lawyers giving legal assistance to the underprivileged that are in conflict with the law,” she said.

On his part, Malawi Legal Aid Bureau director Trouble Kalua said the scheme will ease the pressure the bureau gets in rendering free legal assistance to people.

“Justice is about fairness, equity and ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and with respect regardless of people’s financial backgrounds,” he said.

MLS president Patrick Mpaka said at least 50 lawyers across the country have already registered to represent the needy in courts through the scheme.

“MLS will ensure that the lawyers are held accountable for their actions,” he said.

According to MLS, there are currently 1005 registered lawyers in the country.