Palestine Supreme Courts Defines “tax Payer” in Municipal Elections Law

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency Mail Service)

A definition of the term “tax payer” in the Palestine municipal election ordinance was given by Supreme Court. Justice Sir Thomas Haycroft in the case of the Landlords and Property Owners Association of Tl Aviv vs. the municipality, involving the validity of the last Tel Aviv elections.

Giving the Court’s definition of the term “tax-payer,” Justice Haycroft said it had been based on English law, which refers to a tax-payer or property-hold er or tenant who pays taxes on property. The term “tax-payer” could have two meanings: A voluntary taxpayer or one who is liable to pay taxes. The latter was taken as having the wides meaning, so that the franchise could be enjoyed by every man or women of 21 years of age and upwards either an owner or a tenant of property.

Replying to the counsel for the Municipality as to whether this did not deprive women of the vote, in the ### where her husband paid taxes, the Chief Justice replied in the affirmative No woman would be entitled to vote in such an interpretation of the term if she herself does not pay taxes. Both counsel then agreed to the wiping out of the charge. Dr. Dunkelblum, for the Municipality, announced that his principals reserved the right of appeal to the Privy Council in London from the judgment, but the Chief Justice pointed out an appeal hardly arose, as neither a judgment nor a decision had been handed down; an interpretation had been asked for and issued.

Asked by the Chief. Justice as in whether his principals would withdraw the charge in the question of the in validity of the previous elections, could sel for the landlords said they would do so if the promise to hold election in October were to be fulfilled.