SIM Card Re-registration Battle in Court: Deadline Approaches

The request of Attorney Pazhany Rangasamy for a Stay of Execution against the implementation of the Regulations making SIM card re-registration mandatory was brought before Chief Justice Rehana Mungly-Gulbul during the Formal Matters Session of the Supreme Court yesterday.

The representatives of the State and Minister of ICT, Deepak Balgobin, named as defendants, informed the Court that they intend to submit their counter-affidavits in response to those of Attorney Pazhany Rangasamy. The Minister of ICT’s representative also stated that he plans to be exonerated in this case.

Attorney Rajesh Unnuth, representing Attorney Pazhany Rangasamy, filed a motion for the Court to hear legal arguments in this case in March, despite the defendants’ counter-affidavits, given the urgency of the situation as the deadline for SIM card holders to re-register by April 30, 2024, is fast approaching. However, the Chief Justice preferred for the defendants to submit their counter-affidavits before the Court hears legal arguments.

The case was therefore adjourned to Monday, March 11, when the defendants will submit their counter-affidavits. In a press briefing after the hearing, Attorney Unnuth emphasized that he will not respond to the defendants’ counter-affidavits and will ensure that the Court hears legal arguments as soon as possible.

Attorney Sanjeev Teeluckdharry, on the other hand, reiterated a plea to Mauritians not to rush to re-register their SIM cards and to await the judgment of the Supreme Court.

Source: Le Mauricien