Ex-Bank of Mauritius Deputy Sues Former Governor for Rs 100M in Damages

The former Second Deputy Governor (SDG) of the Bank of Mauritius (BoM), Gérard Sanspeur, has filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court, seeking Rs 100 million in damages from the former Governor, Rama Sithanen.

The case, formally lodged with the Supreme Court registry on Wednesday, 15 October, is scheduled to be heard on November 6.

Allegations of Harassment and Conflict of Interest

In his claim, Sanspeur alleges that during his tenure at the BoM, he was subjected to a campaign of “allegations and insinuations” by Rama Sithanen and his son, Tevin Sithanen, the latter of whom Sanspeur claims was interfering in the bank’s internal affairs.

Sanspeur stated that Sithanen’s attitude towards him changed “drastically” following April 18, after he refused to meet with the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Africa.

The former SDG claimed that Rama Sithanen and his son then initiated a campaign of harassment and intimidation against him.

Sanspeur recounted cutting all contact with Tevin Sithanen on April 29.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty

The claimant contended that Rama Sithanen’s actions constitute “a fundamental breach of his fiduciary duty as Governor of the BoM” and alleges that the former Governor used his position “to advance his son’s private interests.”

Sanspeur also accused the ex-Governor of seeking to damage his professional reputation through the press.

Demands for Public Apology and Retraction

Beyond the significant monetary compensation, Sanspeur is also asking the court to compel Rama Sithanen to publicly withdraw the allegations made against him and to issue an apology for the prejudice suffered.

Gérard Sanspeur is being represented by Senior Counsel Me Antoine Domingue and Me Zharaa Elahee, Avouée.

Source: l’Express