Man, 74, threatens to sue Judiciary over domestic violence report

A 74-year-old farmer of central Trinidad is threatening to sue the Judiciary over its failure to process his domestic violence application for a restraining order against his son, although such matters have been deemed urgent for hearing during the court’s emergency covid19 shutdown.

Attorney Richard Jagessar wrote to the Registrar, warning of legal action in a pre-action protocol letter sent on Tuesday.

He said his client lives in fear and continues to be a victim while he waits on the court to hear his matter.

Pooran Sarjoo, after an incident with his son, called the hotline for domestic violence matters on May 3. He was told of the screening form for domestic violence court matters.

The next day, he completed the form and e-mailed it to the address given for such matters. He also provided police reports between January to April to support his application to have his case heard.

Jagessar said he was told, twice, that the matter was engaging the attention of the Chaguanas District Criminal and Traffic Court magistracy registrar.

Jagessar said another incident took place on May 21, and he was told by police to make a complaint at the Chaguanas Magistrates’ Court so he can get a protection order.

Pooran made the report and tried to visit the court, but was not permitted to enter the building because of covid19 restrictions which limit the number of people allowed at court buildings.

Jagessar said although a same-day hearing was asked for, his client has not been contacted.

He said his client has done his best to comply with the covid19 emergency practice directions for domestic violence matters, yet over 20 days have passed and his application has still not be called for a hearing.

“The mere fact that while the Judiciary processes the application he had cause to file another police report shows the fault in the system,” Jagessar said.

“Therefore, while his application is being processed he may be killed or harmed. This, of course, cannot be the intention of the Judiciary system nor the Parliament,” the lawyer said.