Karunakaran v The Tribunal & Or (MA 19 of 2018) [2018] SCCC 8 (14 May 2018)

IN THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF SEYCHELLES

[Corum: S. Nunkoo, M. Vidot, L. Pillay ]

MA 19/2018

(arising in CP 09/2017)

[2018] SCCC 08

MR DURAIKANNU KARUNAKARAN

versus

THE TRIBUNAL & OR

Heard:

Counsel: Mr. Boulle for

Mr. Chinnasamy for 2^nd

Delivered: 15 May 2018

[1] In matters of the contempt of Court, this Court is empowered to deal with it, ie contempt in the face of it in virtue of its inherent powers;

[2] We witnessed the behaviour of Mr. Karunakaran, which conduct constitutes an interference with the work of this Court and therefore amounts to contempt. We observed Mr Karunakaran, moving from his seat and going right behind Mr. Chinnasamy, he spoke to Mr. Subramanian, and we also saw him speaking to Mr. Chinnasamy. We witnessed a very spontaneous reaction from Mr. Chinnasamy, who looked very disturbed and reported to the bench that Mr. Karunakaran had verbally abused him;

[3] Additionally, we have received a letter from the Attorney General requesting that action be taken against Mr. Karunakaran, the letter is dated 29^th of March. And we have received statements from Mr. Thachett and Mr. Subramanian;

[4] Accordingly, based on our observations and the documents that we have in our possession we are of the view that sufficient grounds exist for Mr. Karunakaran to show cause as to why he should not be dealt with for contempt of the Court.

Signed, dated and delivered at Ile du Port on 15 May 2018

Presiding Judge

L Pillay J

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