Suspects and other court users have to brace for delayed justice as the Judiciary has admitted that power outages are making it difficult for it to produce judgements, orders and rulings in time.
A notice of delay in delivery of judgements, orders and rulings originating from the Senior Deputy Registrar for Lilongwe High Court Registry, to all legal practitioners and legal houses, says the office of the Registrar is trying to find a solution to the challenge.
The notice, dated October 30 2017, is also copied to the Judges President and all Judges in Civil and Criminal Divisions of the High Court, says it is becoming difficult to type and print judgements.
“Kindly note take note that, due to the unreliable availability of electricity, it is becoming increasingly difficult to type and print judgements, orders and rulings in time. The office of the Registrar is trying all its best to find alternative sources of electricity supply which will be operational soon,” reads the notice, which has been signed by Khoswe Chimwaza for the Senior Deputy Registrar
In his Parliament opening speech on Friday, President Peter Mutharika admitted that there is an energy crisis in the country.
Mutharika said life is no longer normal for everyone.
In its petition to Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi, Malawi Health Equity Network said the power challenges are causing deaths in the country’s hospitals.