The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has directed the return of a set of court documents served by bailiffs on the Parliamentary Service, citing constitutional immunity under Article 117 of the 1992 Constitution.
This move, communicated through an official letter from the Office of the Speaker, highlights Parliament’s stance on judicial procedures involving Members of Parliament (MPs).
In a letter addressed to the Supreme Court, the Speaker’s office noted, “The attached processes which were left at the Legal Services Office of the Parliamentary Service by three bailiffs of the Court on Wednesday, 16th October 2024, are hereby returned.”
The statement signed by the Deputy Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Djietror, the Speaker’s office stated that this service attempt was contrary to established constitutional provisions and a recent directive from the Judicial Secretary.
According to the letter, Speaker Bagbin referenced a circular issued by Justice Cyra Pamela C.A. Korangteng, the Judicial Secretary, on July 12, 2024, with the title “Enforcement of articles 117 and 118 of the Constitution – Immunity from Service of Process and Arrest.”
“The Rt. Hon. Speaker has directed the return of the attached processes for your necessary action,” the letter concluded, suggesting that the Judiciary take note of the constitutional restrictions regarding the service of court documents to Members of Parliament.
