Support pours in for Gauntlett

19 November 2012 - 10:19 By Sapa
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Nominations have poured in for advocate Jeremy Gauntlett to become a Constitutional Court judge, it was reported on Monday.

The Cape Times newspaper reported that support had increased for the senior advocate after he was snubbed by the Judicial Services Commission's (JSC) for a spot on the Western Cape High Court bench.

He was overlooked for the bench four times; twice for the high court and twice for the Concourt.

Among those who have nominated him to fill an upcoming vacancy in the Constitutional Court are: struggle stalwart Mamphela Ramphele, human rights lawyer Sydney Kentridge, Western Cape premier Helen Zille, University of Cape Town vice-chancellor Max Price and Inkatha Freedom Party head Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

According to the report, the judge who nominated Gauntlett for the high court position last month, Louis Harms, was considering legal action over the JSC's decision.

In a bid to "avoid litigation", Judge Harms wrote to the JSC for a second time over a week ago to request further clarification on why Gauntlett was not appointed.

The JSC responded that although Gauntlett was fit and proper to be a judge, this alone did not guarantee an appointment.

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