ST CATHERINE, Jamaica – Chief Justice of Jamaica, Bryan Sykes, sitting in chambers in the Constitutional Court Thursday afternoon granted two orders in the case brought by the People’s National Party (PNP) against the government in Portmore parish matter.

The two orders include an interim injunction until the matter is heard and prevention of the minister from naming an effective date for the law.

The PNP had promised to take the government to court over their decision to pass a law naming Portmore the country’s 15th parish.

READ: Opposition takes Portmore challenge to court

The attorney general has been given until next Wednesday at midday to respond to the PNP’s affidavit. The PNP has been given until next Thursday for any additional filings.

The parties will return to court next week Friday at 2.00 pm when the matter will again be before Justice Sykes.

The law in question had already passed in both Houses and given assent by the governor general.

READ Senate passes Bill to make Portmore Jamaica’s 15th parish

The issue has been hotly debated with residents of Portmore expressing displeasure, apathy or support for the move as the public debate raged in recent weeks.