Judicial Review: Local Govt Ministry Opposes Ram Kumar Dhurmea’s Motion

The Ministry of Local Government has officially opposed the judicial review motion filed by Ram Kumar Dhurmea, the former director of the Mauritius Meteorological Services. In a document submitted to the Supreme Court on September 9, 2024, the Ministry argued that Dhurmea’s request is “premature” and “not subject to judicial review.”

The legal proceedings stem from Dhurmea’s appeal, lodged on August 14, 2024, which challenges a disciplinary process aimed at pushing him into retirement “in the public interest.”

This move followed the findings of an internal investigation into inaccurate weather forecasts related to Cyclone Bélal, which the government deemed unacceptable back in January.

Dhurmea was suspended from his role on January 17, 2024, and he has claimed that he has been made a scapegoat for the governmental response during the Cyclone Bélal crisis.

Representing the Ministry, Chief State Attorney Rasmi Camiah argued against the judicial review request, stating that there is no definitive decision available for review.

Furthermore, the Ministry contended that Dhurmea’s request to produce all documents related to the July 23, 2024 decision is irrelevant since he has already provided explanations in response to a letter dated the same day, something he acknowledged in his own affidavit.

Moreover, the Ministry emphasized that even if the Court considered the decision eligible for judicial review, Dhurmea’s motion did not present “a sufficiently strong case” for examination.

“The plaintiff has failed to demonstrate the relevance and applicability of the grounds invoked,” the Ministry stated in its submission, noting that the other parties affected by the disciplinary action were not included in his request, which constituted a significant oversight on his part.

The Ministry also pointed out that halting the disciplinary process would interfere with the discretionary powers granted to officials concerning disciplinary procedures under Regulation 39 of the Public Service Commission.

The case has been adjourned to September 23, 2024, with Ram Kumar Dhurmea being represented by Senior Attorney Jaykar Gujadhur.

Source: Defi Media