Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, has granted two orders in the case brought by the Peoples National Party against the government in the Portmore parish matter.
The law establishing Portmore as a parish was already passed in both Houses of Parliament and given assent by the Governor General.
But the two court orders include an interim injunction until the matter is heard and prevention of the Minister from naming an effective date for the law's implenentation.
The Attorney General has been given until next Wednesday at midday to respond to the PNP's affidavit and the PNP has been given until next Thursday for any additional filings.
The parties will return to court next week Friday at 2:00 p.m., when the matter will again be before Justice Sykes.
PNP responds
In response to this development, the opposition People's National Party has welcomed the Supreme Court's decision.
Fitz Jackson, MP for St. Catherine South, who has lead responsibility on matters affecting Portmore, told Radio Jamaica News that the orders granted by the Chief Justice serve to protect the constitutional rights of residents until the court fully hears and rules on the matter.
Mr Jackson said this action by the court is an important step in upholding the Constitution and protecting the democratic will of the people of Portmore.
The Opposition has pledged to fully the residents of Portmore in their fight for inclusion in matters that concern them and is willing to take all legal steps to ensure that their voices are heard.
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