The Concerned Citizens of Malawi-People Power Movement (CCM-PPM) has urged the Malawi Law Society (MLS) to intervene in the legal dispute that has halted parliamentary inquiries into suspected failures in public finance and service delivery.
In a statement signed by its leader Edward Kambanje, the movement says the injunction obtained by a private litigant is doing more than stopping committee meetings, as it is effectively blocking Parliament from exercising its constitutional oversight role.
Kambanje called on the MLS to join the judicial review proceedings as an amicus curiae or intervening party and push for the lifting of the injunction.
“Exercise your statutory duty under public administrative law by filing an immediate application to join the case, present solid constitutional arguments, and advocate for the lifting of the gag order on Parliament,” Kambanje stated.
The movement argues that the affected inquiries involve matters of public interest, including public funds, foreign exchange leakages and the performance of essential public utilities.
According to CCM-PPM, allowing court orders to indefinitely halt parliamentary oversight could create a dangerous precedent where individuals use litigation to obstruct Parliament whenever public institutions are subjected to scrutiny.
The movement has therefore asked the MLS to exercise what it describes as its statutory responsibility to protect the public interest.
It has also appealed to the Judiciary to expedite the hearing on the injunction while respecting the independence of the courts and the principle of separation of powers.
CCM-PPM argues that Parliament derives its authority from the Constitution and should be allowed to conduct its internal proceedings, including establishing committees, setting inquiry terms and summoning public officers, within the law.
The movement has further urged Parliament to remain firm in carrying out its oversight mandate, saying its responsibility is ultimately to the Constitution and Malawians.
“Democracy functions only when each arm of government exercises its mandate without fear, favour or artificial paralysis,” CCM-PPM said.
The movement said Parliament must be allowed to function and protect public resources, while the courts should ensure that judicial processes are not used to shield public institutions from legitimate legislative scrutiny.
