Court ensures fair hearing, even if one party is absent – Atuguba

Retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba has clarified the court’s obligation to ensure fair hearings, emphasizing that cases must proceed even in the absence of one party.

His remarks follow the Supreme Court's 5-2 ruling on November 12, declaring Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to vacate four parliamentary seats unconstitutional. The judgment was delivered despite the absence of the Speaker’s legal team.

Speaking to GHone TV, Justice Atuguba explained, “The court ensures everyone’s right to be heard, but it cannot wait indefinitely for those who choose not to appear.”

He added, “When one party is absent, the court must still fulfill its duty to deliver justice.”