Torit high court overturns administrative closure of law firms

2026-03-18 - 05:03

The High Court in Torit has overturned an administrative decision that led to the closure of law firms over licensing and tax compliance, ruling that the action conflicted with the Advocates Act of 2013. The case was brought by the South Sudan Bar Association against the Transitional Legislative Assembly Eastern Equatoria State and the Revenue Authority Eastern Equatoria State. In its judgment dated 17, March, the court stated, “The administrative decision to close advocates’ offices was unlawful as it attempted to grant regulatory powers to authorities not mandated under the Advocates Act. Licensing and oversight of legal practitioners fall solely under the legal framework established by law.” The court also emphasized the need to protect legal professionals, noting: “Lawyers must be allowed to perform their duties without harassment, obstruction, or intimidation. Any interference with their work constitutes an abuse of power.” The decision nullified Administrative Decision No. 7/2025 and declared it invalid from the outset. Commenting on the ruling, a spokesperson for the South Sudan Bar Association said, “This judgment is a victory for the rule of law. It reinforces that legal practitioners cannot be arbitrarily shut down and that their rights are protected under the Advocates Act.” The court directed both respondents to cease any actions that would interfere with advocates’ operations, ensuring that the work of the legal profession in Eastern Equatoria State can continue uninterrupted. The ruling was delivered by Dr. Lado Arimino Sekwat, President of the High Court in Eastern Equatoria, who told the court, “Judicial oversight exists to ensure that administrative actions remain within the law and do not infringe on constitutionally or legally protected rights.”