Consulate in Mumbai: Rs 13 Million in Legal Fees for a Dispute

In March 2013, the Mauritian government initiated legal proceedings seeking to reclaim a deposit of Rs 12.51 million from the landlord of the premises that housed the Mauritius consulate in Mumbai. This dispute, which has dragged on for over two decades, has resulted in legal costs escalating to Rs 13 million as of June 2023.

According to a recent report, “The representatives from the ministry were unable to confirm the exact amount of fees incurred to date despite being given ample time to gather this information.”

The situation took a turn for the worse when the landlord counter-sued the government for failing to vacate the premises and for non-payment of rent.

In October 2019, the court ordered the Mauritian government to pay Rs 70.6 million to the landlord, while also stipulating that the landlord pay Rs 48.1 million back to the government.

This breakdown revealed that the government is now obligated to pay Rs 22 million more than it was supposed to receive from the landlord.

“The government has filed an appeal against the ruling, and we have been informed that the case is still pending,” the report stated.

“Despite the committee’s request, the ministry has not provided a copy of the Indian counsel’s opinion regarding the likely outcome of the proceedings and the government’s ability to enforce any judgment against the landlord.”

Source: Defi Media