THE CHIEF Justice of Trinidad and Tobago took the nation’s law society to the Commonwealth’s supreme court in London today in a legal battle over an investigation into allegations of serious misconduct.

The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) began an investigation into Chief Justice Ivor Archie over allegations that he “corruptly and knowingly used his office … in concert with convicted felons” to fast-track housing applications.

It is also alleged that the Chief Justice tried to persuade Supreme Court judges to change their state-provided security to private security from a company which employed his friend Dillian Johnson.

Mr Johnson is currently seeking asylum in Britain after what he believes was a targeted attack.

Mr Archie denies all allegations of misconduct and has now taken LATT to the judicial committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) to stop their investigation into his alleged misconduct, arguing that it is beyond its statutory powers and that the decision to investigate was tainted by bias.

LATT, however, argues that the “serious allegations” against Mr Archie are “capable of undermining public confidence in the judiciary and the administration of justice” even if they are untrue.

Mr Johnson is currently seeking asylum in Britain after he was shot outside his home in Trinidad in December, which he told the Guardian was “an attempt to silence me.”

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, who is supporting Mr Johnson’s application for asylum, said in February that media in Trinidad and Tobago “have been investigating and publicly hinting at a relationship” between Mr Johnson and Mr Archie, which left Mr Johnson in fear for his life.

Mr Tatchell said today: “I hope the Privy Council will uphold the legal right of LATT to investigate alleged misconduct by the Chief Justice Ivor Archie.

“There are serious allegations against him which merit a full investigation.”

He added that “the corruption claims are tainted with a whiff of homophobia surrounding his alleged same-sex relations.

“Some people are concerned that anti-gay prejudice is driving some of the pressure against Archie. Only a robust inquiry can establish whether or not this is true.”

The JCPC reserved judgement in the case.