Legal action against Bryant being widened, court told
Legal action against the Northern Ireland Secretary of State for banning the Drumcree parade is being widened out, the High Court in Belfast has heard.
The Belfast High Court has heard that legal action against Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Bryant, who banned the Drumcree parade, is being expanded to challenge the role of PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. The Orangemen, represented by Portadown District Lodge, are seeking to judicially review the Secretary of State's decision, arguing that it is unlawful and irrational.
The case claims that the Secretary of State had no power under the relevant legislation to impose the ban and that the prohibition violates the Orangemen's human rights. The PSNI's assessment of its capability to facilitate the parade was also criticized, as it was deemed insufficient and contradictory. The case has now been joined by the PSNI, with Boutcher being named as a second respondent.
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