High Court dismisses PNCR lawsuit over Lethem headquarters

The High Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) against the Attorney General, Dale Kennedy, and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Nine. The dispute concerned the removal of the PNCR from a building in Lethem that had served as its regional headquarters for several decades.

The court ruled that the PNCR had no legal right to remain on the premises, finding that the occupation, which began in the 1970s, was based on permission granted by the State rather than a legal right, lease, or title. The judge determined that the removal of the party from the building in March 2023 did not constitute trespass or a violation of constitutional rights.

The PNCR had previously alleged that officials and contractors entered the building without permission, demolished parts of the structure, and removed party property. However, the defendants maintained the building was State property under RDC control and that the party had been issued multiple notices to vacate starting in November 2021.