Manning sues AG, says rights violated

Patrick Manning has made good on his promise to take Parliament to court. the former Prime Minister has filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of his suspension from the House of Representatives.

And he is requesting reimbursement for his loss of earnings.

The House suspended the San Fernando East MP on May 16 based on the findings of the Privileges Committee that Manning was in contempt. He was sent to then committee for making allegations about the cost and source of funding for the private residence of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Manning's attorneys filed the lawsuit Thursday at the Port of Spain High Court seeking to have his suspension overturned.

Manning is also requesting reimbursement for loss of earnings during the duration of the suspension amounting toi $18,200 a month.

"As a member of Parliament, I earn a salary of $14,000 and am in receipt of a travelling allowance of $4,200. As a consequence of the suspension which I challenge, I will be deprived of these sums and I claim damages," Manning stated in his affidavit.

The lawsuit contends that Parliament breached Manning's constitutional rights. He has disputed claims by the Privileges Committee that he was absent several of the committee's sittings.

Manning's suspension ends when Parliament is prorogued on June 17 at the end of its session.