Barrister calls Chief Justice's decision not to grant extension of contract to

ONE of Hong Kong's most outspoken judges is being forced into retirement after his second request for an extended contract was rejected.

Mr Justice Raymond Sears, who has ruled against the Government in a string of high-profile cases, wanted to continue working until 2000. But he has been told to retire in March.

The 65-year-old grandfather, nicknamed 'the people's judge', was disappointed. 'I asked for a two-year extension and I was somewhat surprised at only being given one, after having been here for 12 years,' he said.

The Judicial Officers' Recommendation Commission ruled last year the judge should only remain in office until next March.

He applied to Chief Justice Andrew Li Kwok-nang for a four-month extension, but was rejected.

A Judiciary spokesman said: 'In view of the commission's position, the Chief Justice did not feel able to take the matter further.' One senior barrister called the decision a scandal. 'It is very sad. Hong Kong needs independent judges and he is a great judge. He will be missed immensely by people who care about the law.' Mr Justice Sears had caused the Government 'a lot of grief' with some of his rulings, the barrister said.

'He does what he thinks is right and is not worried what people think of his decisions,' he said.