on Hate Speech, which if passed into law, would suppress, cow and sanction free speech by a law, to be used as instrument to shut every critique and criticism of government and its officials, against public interest and a violation of their right to freedom of expression in all its ramifications. 7. The Applicants contend that the proposed law, when it comes into effect would be a violation of their right to freedom of expression in all its ramifications since it would drastically capsize the entrenched and guaranteed right contained in Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter), Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) respectively. They claim the said law if passed, would be completely disproportionate to the goals and objectives of the African Charter, and the other mentioned international instruments and being not permitted under them and of which the 1st Respondent is signatory. IV. PROCEDURE BEFORE THE COURT 8. The Initiating Application dated and filed on 29 November 2019, was served on the Respondents on 3 December 2019. 9. The 2nd Respondent filed a Motion for Enlargement of Time to file Preliminary Objection and Statement of Defense together with the substantive Notice of Preliminary Objection and the Statement of Defense on the 29 September 2019 and were served on the same date. 10. On the 7 October 2019, the 1st Respondent also filed Motion for Extension of time to file Preliminary Objection and Statement of Defense together with the substantive Notice of Preliminary Objection and the Statement of Defense which were served on the 8 October 2019. 4