In Court Today – Little India Riot case:
M Ravi, representing Mr Arun Kaliamurthy – who is being charged for involvement in the Little India riot – informed the court today that he shall be filing an application for judicial review with regards to the question of unequal treatment and the nature of the conditions imposed on his client.
The matter involves the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) requiring Mr Arun to renew his S-Pass everyday at the ICA.
Mr Ravi had asked the court to order that this be changed to a weekly renewal, rather than a daily one. The court today said it had no jurisdiction over the matter, agreeing with the deputy public prosecutor, that the decision is an executive one, not a judicial one.
However, Mr Ravi argued that “such an executive decision violates Article 12 of the Singapore Constitution as this requirement was not similarly imposed on others in the same position as our client.”
Mr. Ravi reserved his client’s position that the Subordinate courts does indeed have jurisdiction to adjudicate on constitutional matters.
TOC understands that similar conditions are not imposed on the others who have been offered bail.
Mr Arun issued a statement himself today, saying:
“With regards to the requirement to report to the ICA every day, I feel that it is extremely oppressive and unreasonable.
“It is also discriminatory since such a requirement is not imposed on others in a similar situation. My counsel has said that such a requirement goes against Article 12 of the constitution which prohibits such discrimination and constitutes a violation of my right to equal treatment.
“I am extremely disappointed with the treatment I have received from a country which prides itself on high standards of justice and equality.”
Mr Arun’s next hearing will be on 29 January.
