Auditor General Jaiwantie Ramdass has been denied permission to pursue a lawsuit over an ongoing probe into a recent impasse between her office and the Ministry of Finance.
High Court Judge Westmin James refused Ramdass leave on Monday 3rd June to pursue her judicial review lawsuit.
Justice James’ decision means that Ramdass’ corresponding application for an injunction to stop the probe pending the outcome of the case was automatically dismissed.
According to reports, Ramdass still has the option to appeal Justice James’ finding to the Court of Appeal but has a short period of time to decide.
Ramdass’ lawyers are contending that the investigation is unconstitutional and illegal because neither the Finance Minister nor the Cabinet has the jurisdiction to probe the conduct of the Auditor General.
They claim that she does not want to avoid the probe but is only willing to participate if it is deemed lawful.