The Privy Council has dismissed an appeal challenging the legality of the extension of service of the Police Commissioner.

In its ruling, the Court held that there was nothing unlawful in the decision by the President to extend the service of the Commissioner beyond her normal retirement age.

In a statement, Attorney General Reginald Armour said this is the third time that this legal challenge has been found to have no merit.

He adds, “The jurisdiction of the Police Service Commission over the Commissioner of Police was in no way compromised by the action taken.”

The case was brought by activist Ravi Balgobin Maharaj, who has since called the ruling “disappointing” and “disheartening”.

In a statement issued today he says “Throughout the ruling, the Lords of the Privy Council maintain that there is a separation of powers and independence within the Police Service, but in their conclusion find that the President is obligated to conform to the will of the Cabinet as a result of the shortcomings of the legislation and the failure of Parliament to recognise and update these deficiencies.”

This story has been updated.