Months after the Judicial Service Commission announced the appointment of seven new Judges to the Court of Appeal, Senior Counsel Rafiq Khan took the oath of office today before President Irfaan Ali, becoming the newest Judge on the Court of Appeal.
He is the sixth Judge to take up the appointment. Justice Damone Younge is still wrapping up cases in the High Court and has not taken up the Court of Appeal appointment.
“The elevation of Mr. Rafiq Khan, to this bench however is first a foremost a recognition of his considerable judicial experience, profound legal knowledge and respected integrity. His distinguish career has equipped him with wisdom, temperament and insight essential for the solemn responsibilities of appellate review,” the President stated.
Justice Khan’s appointment follows recent updates to the Court of Appeal Act to increase the complement of judges sitting on the Court from nine to eleven.
Three judges preside over a case at the Appeal Court at any given time. Therefore, the complement of eleven allows for two extra Judges to be available when one Judge is out of the jurisdiction or unavailable. President Ali said he believes that will allow Judicial efficiency at the Appeal Court.
“The expansion of the Court’s complement exemplify by his appointment, serves a dual imperative, it secures the invaluable asset of a jurist of his caliber while simultaneously addressing the pressing need for judicial efficiency. Justice Khan’s presence will undoubtedly strengthens the court’s deliberate power,” the President stated.
The President said the appointment will also help with the case load at the Appeal Court allowing for the timely delivery of judgments.
The President urged the new Appeal Court Judge to uphold the Constitution and administer his responsibility without fear or favor.
Justice Khan is a Specialist in Intellectual Property. He served on the Legal Practitioners Committee for several years, and was a member of the Rules Committee that revised the Rules of the High Court. He acted as a Judge of Appeal’s Court for several months in 2018.
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