Parliamentary Session This Tuesday - Questions to the PM: Security, Immigration, and Economy on the Agenda

This Tuesday, twenty-three questions will be directed to Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, covering topics such as national security, immigration, public infrastructure, and appointments.

Roshan Jhummun plans to question the Prime Minister regarding the national security threat associated with the suspension of social media platforms that occurred on November 1, 2024, just days before the general elections. His inquiry seeks information on the reasons for this suspension, the guidelines under which it was implemented, and the estimated economic and social impacts of this measure.

Arvin Babajee is interested in the case of the pleasure boat numbered PPC 7380 OL 10, which went missing on November 9, 2025, off the RIU hotel and was found two days later at Les Salines. The MP is requesting clarification from the Police Commissioner, via the Prime Minister, on (a) whether the boat is suspected of having navigated to Réunion Island, (b) the number of officers assigned to the National Coast Guard post at Rivière-Noire, whether they reviewed the hotel’s CCTV footage, made any arrests, and informed the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU), and (c) whether the investigation will be assigned to a new team of investigators.

Entry Visas

Adrien Duval, the opposition whip, will address the topic of entry visas to Mauritius. He wants to know the number of individuals currently in "overstay" status. In the case of Brandon Rodrigues Sena, known as El Capo, who was provisionally charged on October 30 last for drug trafficking and conspiracy to kidnap, he is inquiring about the date and reasons for his arrest, the checks conducted prior to issuing his visa, its duration, and the actions taken upon its expiration. Arvin Babajee also intends to raise a question regarding El Capo with the Prime Minister.

Independent MP Franco Quirin is interested in a case of real estate fraud and wants to know the current status of the Financial Crimes Commission on this matter and whether any notaries are suspected.

Ram Etwareea is inquiring about the employment conditions of the Communication Advisor at the Development Bank of Mauritius, as well as how many times their salary has been increased and for what reasons.

MP Kaviraj Rookny wants to know if the government plans to strengthen legislation regarding alcohol and drug use while driving. Roshan Jhummun wishes to understand the timeframe the government has set for restructuring the Casinos of Mauritius.

The Courts (Amendment) Bill

The Courts (Amendment) Bill, presented by Attorney General Gavin Glover, is scheduled for its second and third readings this Tuesday. It amends the Courts Act to simplify and streamline the procedure for requesting a Judicial Review, aiming to expedite administrative legal recourse.

As a result, a request for permission to submit a Judicial Review application will need to be presented inter partes to the judge in chamber, who will make a decision based solely on written submissions. However, the judge may, if deemed necessary, request written briefs on any point and, in exceptional circumstances, require an oral hearing in chamber.

The bill proposes a prescribed timeframe for the judge in chamber to rule on the request for permission to submit a Judicial Review application, and it is also stipulated that when permission is granted, the request for permission will serve as the Judicial Review application. Several other laws will also be amended to align them with the new provisions related to Judicial Review in the Courts Act.

Law Practitioners (Disciplinary Proceedings) Bill

Better Protection Against Attorney Misconduct

The Law Practitioners (Disciplinary Proceedings) Bill, which is set for its first reading this Tuesday, aims to codify and simplify the mechanisms for investigating and sanctioning professional misconduct by lawyers, solicitors, and notaries. Its main goal is to ensure clarity and transparency in independent investigations into allegations of misconduct within the profession and the proceedings before the Supreme Court.

The bill establishes the Law Practitioners Complaints Commission as the sole investigative body for these allegations, tasked with assessing their admissibility and deciding on disciplinary proceedings. Composed of specialized divisions and supported by a secretariat, the Commission can dismiss trivial, frivolous, or vexatious complaints, attempt conciliation, conduct investigations, issue warnings, or conclude that no misconduct occurred. If misconduct is established, it initiates proceedings before the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court retains its inherent powers and may order interim measures and impose sanctions. Appeals are provided for. The bill is presented by Attorney General Gavin Glover.