The constitutional court ruled this morning (Apl 12) that the act to give effect to the National Identification System (NIDS) is null and void.

The court was considering the challenge to the NIDS brought by General Secretary of the People’s National Party, Julian Robinson.

Mr. Robinson claimed that there were several violations of constitutional rights and freedom, including the compulsory taking of biometric data and criminalisation of persons who sought not to get registered.

The National Identification and Registration Act was passed in parliament despite the Opposition’s call for the bill to be sent to a joint select committee of parliament.

Chief Justice Bryan Sykes stated that having examined the issues challenged, deemed them in contravention of the charter of rights.

The Chief Justice stated, that having declared the specific portions unconstitutional, the remaining portion was examined to determine if it was capable of standing by itself.