Supreme Court not biased; we follow the law – Justice Torkornoo

Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, the Chief Justice nominee, has refuted claims that the Supreme Court is biased when delivering rulings on political cases.

During her vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Justice Torkornoo explained that a unanimous decision by the apex court indicates that the decision is based on the law and not influenced by bias.

“Whenever you encounter a unanimous decision, it tells you that the law is totally on the side of the position taken by the court, that every member of the court in fidelity to their judicial oath cannot take a different position, it tells you that, that is what the law is.

Some members of the National Democratic Congress have publicly described the Supreme Court as biased following a series of defeats during the Election petition hearing

Justice Torkornoo also defended the decision by the Supreme Court to issue contempt summons to persons who make insulting comments or denigrate the image of the apex court.

“The issuing of contempt summons has always been a tool that has been used by courts to ensure that the dignity of the court is not scandalized

The [Supreme] Court is one out of 400 courts, and it is the ultimate voice, so whenever the court acts, whether it is the High Court, Court of Appeal, or Supreme Court, it is to ensure that the Justice system is not scandalized,” Justice Torkornoo said during her vetting.