The indefinite adjournment of the Tongan Legislature on Monday, June 12, enters its third day today without a sign that any decision to resume the 2006 session may be made soon.

The Government and other defendants have 28 days to file a defence to a claim that the opening of parliament on June 1 was illegal. The claim was filed with the Supreme Court on June 6 by eight People's Representatives, and one Noble's Representative.

If the defendants, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the House and the Government of Tonga, fail to file a defence, the Plaintiffs may obtain a judgment against the defendants "without further notice".

As of today, June 14, no defence had been filed with the court.

Budget

The Vava'u No. 1 People's Representative, Samiu Vaipulu, the only People's Representative who disagreed with the claim that the opening of parliament was illegal, said yesterday that he was awaiting a reply from the Speaker for his request for his airfare back to Vava'u.

"It could take a few more days for the Supreme Court to make a decision, and what follows that we will be working non-stop to pass the budget before the end of June."

On June 12 the Prime Minister Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele moved for the House to be adjourned awaiting a decision from the Chief Justice, and it was passed with a majority vote of 21-1. Voting against the adjournment was the 'Eua PR, Sunia Fili.