In the election petition matter of S. DAYAL vs P. K JUGNAUTH & ORS the Court was supposed to continue at 13 30 but instead, it has resumed at 14 40 after all concerned Counsels & Attorneys had a conference in the Judges Chambers. Mr RAMBURN, Counsel for the Petitioner stated that he would narrow out the issues and has found a consent on the replies which have been challenged by his learned friends, the Counsels for the Respondents and there is no need for any arguments. He added that he will finalize his extract to file his amended reply. He stated that the case itself may be started with the Petitioner, a matter will be called tomorrow 6.7.21 for merits.
The election petition was initiated by Suren Dayal, defeated candidate of the Alliance Nationale in constituency No 8, calling for the invalidation of the election of Pravind Jugnauth, Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun and Yogida Sawmynaden was called in the Supreme Court this morning. The Prime Minister, the Minister of Education and the former Minister of Commerce and Consumer protection were present in court.
Barrister Robin Ramburn, appearing for Suren Dayal, said that he had initiated the procedure for the Clerk of the National Assembly to file some excerpts of the Hansard relating to this matter. However, he added, the usher of the Supreme Court indicated that he could not meet Safeena Lotun M.
Contrary to what was said, there were no debates this afternoon. The lawyers of Suren Dayal, on one part, and the MBC and the three elected members of Constituency no 8, reached an agreement. Thus, tomorrow morning, Suren Dayal’s representative will file another reply and the case will start. It is quite sure that the defeated candidate, who ran for office under the Alliance Nationale banner, will give evidence tomorrow.
This morning, according to the procedure, Suren Dayal filed a reply to rebuke the arguments evoked by the three respondents (Pravind Jugnauth, Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun and Yogida Sawmynaden) as well as all the co-respondents, which include the MBC. So, in Dayal’s reply, the MBC contested a few points.
It is on this matter that debates were scheduled. However, before the case resumed at about 14h30, the different parties informed Justice David Chan and Justice Karuna Devi Gunesh-Balaghee that an agreement was reached. Hence, Suren Dayal will file a new “reply” tomorrow morning with some modifications.
Then, the case will be taken on the merits. The court will sit every weekday. Suren Dayal, as petitioner, is expected to give evidence this Tuesday.
It should be noted that Pravind Jugnauth will not be present in court on Tuesday. He has obtained permission from the judges.
