A decision by the Parades Commission to impose restrictions on the annual Orange Order parade at Drumcree in Portadown has been quashed in the High Court in Belfast.
The court was told that the determination had not been considered in its “final form” by all members of the commission.
Following criticism of the Parades Commission by unionist politicians, Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant said it “simply can’t function” if it does not have the respect of all communities in Northern Ireland.
In a statement, the Parades Commission said it had already “implemented procedural changes to address the issue identified in the proceedings”.
The legal challenge, which was launched last month, had been brought by a Portadown Orangeman.
The Parades Commission, which adjudicates on contentious marches, has blocked the order from marching along the Garvaghy Road in Portadown in July every year since 1998.
In court on Tuesday, John Larkin KC, representing the applicant, said there was consent on behalf of the commission to the quashing of the determination before a full hearing in the judicial review application.
Mr Larkin said the agreed determination of the commission had been sent out to commissioners “essentially for information purposes”.
The barrister referred to internal WhatsApp messages from the commission about the determination which Mr Larkin said were “for information purposes only”.
He said: “We say that is a scandalous abdication of responsibility in these circumstances.”
Representing the Parades Commission, Tony McGleenan KC said: “The concession was made last week in respect of the procedural point with the determination not having been considered in its final form by all commissioners.”
High Court judge Mr Justice McAlinden said he had “no hesitation” in making a ruling to quash this year’s determination.
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