Muhamad Ideres Muhamad Rapee - a future Chief Justice?

Hindraf lawyer Manoharan fails in habeas corpus application

• Hindraf men file habeas corpus writs
• Detainee files fresh application

©The Sun

IPOH (Dec 19, 2007): Lawyer M.Manoharan had his application for a writ of habeas corpus seeking his release from detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA) struck off by the High Court here today.

Justice Datuk Muhamad Ideres Muhamad Rapee said the copy of the detention order that was attached to the application had not been certified by a Commissioner for Oaths.

He said the application thus did not comply with provisions of the Rules of the High Court and therefore "the application is struck out".

Counsel Krpal Singh told reporters later that he would submit a fresh application for Manoharan, 46, and another ISA detainee, V. Ganabathirau, 34, at the Kuala Lumpur High Court this afternoon.

The two, together with three others, namely P.Uthayakumar, 46, R. Kengadharan, 40, and T. Vasanthakumar, 34, are accused to be behind an unlawful Hindu Righst Action Force (Hindraf) assembly held in the federal capital last month. They were detained last Thursday (Dec 13).

The habeas corpus application was filed last Friday (Dec 14) and was fixed for mention before Judicial Commissioner Ridwan Ibrahim today.

Karpal Singh said: "I was informed on Monday (Dec 17) that the case has been assigned for mention before Muhamad Ideres. I now want to know who directed the change of judge.

"The judge (Muhamad Ideres) was informed that I would be late. Why did Muhamad Ideres decided not to wait for me to be present?"

Karpal Singh was about 15 minutes late.

The court sat for only five minutes from 9.05am.

It was packed with members and opposition party members as early 8am with tight police security in the court compound.