By: Daure David
There is growing concern over the delay in issuing the Certified True Copy (CTC) of a recent judgment delivered by the Supreme Court. Although the judgment was read aloud in open court for approximately one hour and thirty-five minutes, litigants and legal professionals are still waiting for the CTC, nearly one week after its delivery. This delay has led to widespread confusion and misinterpretations surrounding the judgment’s content, with many individuals taking positions based on hearsay or personal sentiment rather than the actual text of the decision.
The legal community and the public have raised questions about why it takes the Supreme Court so long to produce and issue a CTC after a judgment is delivered. A CTC is a vital document that ensures the judgment is accurately recorded and officially signed by the justices. While the judgment may already be written down, the process of certifying and issuing it is thought to be relatively straightforward—simply requiring the justices to sign off on the written document and release it to the litigants.
However, sources suggest that there may be more to the process than meets the eye. “There may be other procedural matters, like ensuring that the judgment is fully accurate and in line with legal norms, that could explain the delay,” said a source familiar with the process. “But the lack of transparency in how long this takes is undoubtedly raising questions about the Court’s efficiency.”
One of the major concerns surrounding the delay is the growing number of misconceptions about the judgment. Those who were not present during the reading of the judgment or have not yet seen the CTC are relying on word of mouth or interpretations from others. Legal professionals fear that this could lead to significant errors in understanding, particularly if individuals or media outlets take parts of the judgment out of context.
Chetam Thierry Nwala Esq., a legal practitioner, voiced frustration at the delay. He argued that while it is understandable that preparing the CTC may take time, the extended wait is hindering a clear understanding of the judgment. “The delay is creating room for misinterpretation and misconceptions on several aspects of the judgment. Most of the people taking positions on the judgment have not read it or were not present when it was delivered, which is leading to blind conclusions,” Nwala said.
He went on to emphasize that, for those who were present in the courtroom, it is nearly impossible to retain all of the information presented during a one-hour-and-thirty-five-minute reading. “That’s why the CTC is crucial—it provides clarity and allows for accurate reference,” he added.
The delay is also drawing attention to broader concerns about the pace of the judicial process and the need for the Supreme Court to streamline its procedures. As the final arbiter in the nation’s legal system, the Court’s decisions hold significant weight, and ensuring transparency and clarity in its processes is essential for upholding the rule of law and public confidence.
While it is understood that the Supreme Court may have internal processes to manage, it is clear that timely issuance of the CTC is critical for the public, litigants, and legal practitioners alike. The public trust in the judiciary’s work depends on its ability to provide clear, accurate, and prompt judgments—something that is currently at risk due to these delays.
As the legal community eagerly awaits the CTC, questions remain about how the Supreme Court can address this issue to prevent future delays and confusion. For now, litigants and the public must remain patient, while also hoping for a more efficient system moving forward.
