by Sam Kabanda

The official opening of the 2021 legal year, which was set for Monday next week, has been cancelled due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation.

This was announced today by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) in a media statement.

“The 2021 legal year commences on 11 January 2021coinciding with the start of the 2021 court calendar notified in the General Notices 2444-2447 of 2020 published in the Government Gazette of 18 September 2020.

“Due to the prevailing situation of the 30-day Level 4 national lockdown imposed under the Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) (No.2) (Amendment) Order 2021 (No.9) (published in Statutory Instrument 10 of 2021) to prevent, control and contain the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Judicial Services Commission announces that the traditional ceremony signifying the opening of the legal year will not be held,” the JSC said in the statement.

This notwithstanding, the JSC indicated that it would avail to stakeholders on 11 January 2021, the Chief Justice’s speech which he would have read if the event had not been put off.

“Consistent with the principles of transparency and accountability to which the JSC adheres, the speech by the Chief Justice to mark the commencement of the 2021 legal year will be made available to stakeholders and the public through appropriate media channels on Monday, 11 January 2021,” the JSC said.

Relatedly, the Commission has clarified to members of the public that despite the lockdown, courts remain open.

“The courts are an essential service and as such will remain open,” the JSC posted on its Twitter handle this morning.