Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Sarah Jane Lebrasse
Published on 2024-03-18 09:00:52
In an interim decision that marked a crucial step in the legal case involving former Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam against the State of Mauritius, the Commissioner of Police, and senior CID officer Hemant Jangi, Judge K. D. Gunesh-Balaghee rejected a fundamental objection raised by the defendants in a significant legal dispute involving allegations of abuse of power and political vendetta, for which the court decided to proceed with the case based on its merits.
At the heart of this case is a complaint filed by Ramgoolam, seeking damages of Rs 225 million, alleging a series of illegal and politically motivated acts committed against him by state agents. Navin Ramgoolam and his lawyers, Messrs Glover and Sir Hamid Moollan, supported by Mr. N. Ramburn, Senior Counsel, and Mr. S. Oozeer, argued that these acts constituted a political vendetta orchestrated by the central CID, then under the leadership of the defendants. Objection promptly dismissed
The initial objection from the defendants represented by the prosecution – including Mr. Jean Louis, g. Assistant Solicitor General, Mr. R. Rajkumarsingh, Ag. Principal State Counsel, and Mr. N. Meettook, Senior State Counsel – was based on the fact that Ramgoolam was on bail at the time of the alleged events, calling into question the validity of his complaint.
However, the judge’s decision dismissed this objection, stating that the defendants’ role in maintaining interim information against Ramgoolam was indeed subject to investigation. Judge Gunesh-Balaghee further emphasized that the decision to maintain interim information falls under the purview of the police and not the defendants or the judge. This decision marks a first victory, especially morally, for Navin Ramgoolam, strengthening his ability to pursue legal action against the alleged acts of political persecution. It also clarifies the process of setting up interim information and the roles of the various parties involved.
As the case continues, this interim decision sheds crucial light on Ramgoolam’s legal rights and the responsibility of authorities in conducting criminal investigations. The next chapter of this legal saga will play out in court, where the parties will present their arguments on the substance of the case. In the meantime, this interim decision represents a turning point in Navin Ramgoolam’s quest for justice and significant public rehabilitation, just a few months before the upcoming general elections.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
