High Court extends orders barring implementation of Finance Act 2023

The High Court has extended the conservatory orders issued last week suspending the implementation of the Finance Act 2023 which brought into effect the new all-time high fuel prices.

In a ruling delivered Wednesday afternoon, Justice Mugure Thande extended the orders by five more days to Monday, July 10, 2023, when the case petition filed by Senator Okiyah Omtata will come up for hearing.

Okiya Omtatah challenged the implementation of the Finance Act on grounds that the Senate was not involved in the passing of the controversial law.

In the meantime, Omtatah has also filed a contempt application against the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) which he wants to be found in contempt of court for enforcing the new fuel prices despite the implementation of the Act having been suspended by the court.

The contempt application by Omtatah against EPRA will be mentioned and determined next week.

Omtatah has been given 48 hours to serve the respondents.