Parliament's Senate application on hold, permission being sought from Appeals Court

Efforts are now underway to find out whether the Court of Appeal can hear an application by the Parliament which is asking for a determination on whether Arthur Williams and Dr Christopher Tufton are still senators.

That application was expected to be heard in the Supreme Court this morning. 

However, the matter has been put on hold until 12:30 in order to seek the permission of the Court of Appeal.

Lawyers say if the higher court hears the matter, the issue could be finalised earlier. 

The courts are being asked to pronounce on the status of businessman Dr Nigel Clarke and Jamaica College principal, Ruel Reid in light of a ruling that Arthur Williams and Dr Christopher Tufton were unconstitutionally removed in 2013. 

Our news centre also understands that an appeal of the ruling by Opposition Leader Andrew Holness could be joined with the Parliament's case.