Judge Rejects Singh Couple’s Rs100 Million Claim Against FIU

Sherry Singh, former CEO of Mauritius Telecom, and his wife Varsha Singh lost their bid to overturn a freeze on their assets. The case was heard on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, before Judge Raj Seebaluck, who rejected their application.

The Singhs wanted the court to cancel the asset freeze imposed on 20 October 2023. The freeze was ordered by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), a government body responsible for financial investigations.

Their lawyers argued that the FIU didn’t have the legal right—its “personality juridique”—to request the freeze, claiming the agency isn’t an individual or a registered entity capable of legal action. They also said the FIU didn’t fully disclose information when requesting the freeze.

But the judge wasn’t convinced. Judge Seebaluck dismissed their arguments, saying these issues should be dealt with by the Supreme Court, not the current chamber. He called their application “a disguised form of judicial review” and said it was an abuse of process.

The judge emphasised that the FIU is a recognised statutory body, empowered by law under the Asset Recovery Act to carry out its duties.

Singh’s Previous Lawsuit

The judge also pointed out a contradiction: the Singhs had previously sued the FIU for Rs 100 million in damages—showing they do see the agency as having legal standing.

The Judge noted:
“It is odd that the applicants claim the FIU doesn’t have the status of a corporate body, yet they are suing it for compensation.”

In conclusion, the judge reaffirmed a key legal principle: challenges against public authorities must be brought before the Supreme Court, not a chamber judge.

The Singh application was dismissed, with costs awarded against them.

Source: Defi Media