WASHINGTON, 25 November (H.S.): A U.S. District Judge delivered a major legal setback to the administration of President Donald Trump on Monday, dismissing indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The judge ruled that the interim U.S. attorney appointed to prosecute the cases, Lindsey Halligan, was not lawfully appointed to her position.

In her ruling, Judge Cameron Currie concluded that Halligan's appointment represented an unlawful exercise of executive power and nullified the indictments she brought forward. Attorneys for Comey and James had consistently argued that the prosecutions were a politically motivated and vindictive effort by President Trump to punish his political adversaries.

A Question of Authority

The judge's decision centered on the improper appointment of Halligan, a Trump loyalist with a history of serving on his personal defense team. Documents indicated Halligan was unlawfully acting as an interim attorney since September 22, before indicting Comey on September 25 and James on October 9. Judge Currie wrote, Because Ms. Halligan had no lawful authority to present the indictment, I will grant Mr. Comey's motion and dismiss the indictment.

Reactions and Next Steps

Letitia James celebrated the ruling as a victory, stating, Today's decision sends a clear message that the President cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies. James Comey also expressed his gratitude for the court's decision.

In response, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the Department of Justice intends to appeal the decision, maintaining that Halligan was legally appointed and qualified for the role. The cases were dismissed without prejudice, which means prosecutors could potentially refile the charges in the future if a properly appointed attorney brings them forward.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar