By Tenzin Sangmo
DHARAMSHALA, Nov. 13: Sikyong Lobsang Sangay led Kashag (Tibetan Cabinet) of CTA, the defendant in the case no. 20, is due to submit a written statement by November 20th, as required by the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission of Tibetan government-in-exile where the case was filed.
Initially slated to come up with a written statement by August 20th, the defendant party had asked for and was granted an extension of 90 days.
Once the written statement is received, the case will go into trial and hearing dates will be issued.
Former Speaker Penpa Tsering first filed the case in May this year, challenging the reasons specified by the Kashag for his ousting from the Office of Tibet in Washington, Central Tibetan Administration’s (CTA) mission in North America.
Penpa Tsering, the plaintiff in the case, is currently in Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement. He is represented by Ms Namgyal Tsekyi, a trained lawyer and former local justice commissioner at the Tibetan Justice Commission in Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement.
Sikyong Lobsang Sangay led Kashag is being represented by Lobsang Dakpa, a member of parliament-in-exile and the president of Tibetan Legal Association. It is also the first time ever that two sides are represented by Tibetans who have graduated from Indian Law schools.
Penpa Tsering, in earlier reports, has attributed Sikyong’s repeated exhortation to knock the door of the court as a reason for filing the case. While it has been a year since the ousting of former speaker Tsering from the office of Tibet, the incumbent Sikyong led 15th Kashag still has three years left of its term.
The autumn session of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile didn’t see the matter raised as it is considered sub-judice since the case has been filed and registered by then.
