On October 3, Hon’ble Chief Justice of India (CJI) Shri Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai as part of his official visit on the island paid a homage to the indomitable spirit of Indian indentured labourers and later during the day visited the housing the historical records and documents that preserve the rich cultural heritage linking India and Mauritius, forming part of the deep and civilizational ties, deemed central to the bilateral relationships between India and Mauritius.
The Hon’ble CJI also visited the Supreme Court of Mauritius. The landmark Supreme Court building, inaugurated in 2020, was completed with Indian grant assistance of USD 28.12 million. Hon’ble CJI met Hon’ble Chief Justice of Mauritius, Mrs Rehana Bibi Mungly-Gulbul, and discussed the ongoing collaborations in the judicial sphere, including the implementation of e-Judiciary as envisaged under the India-Mauritius Joint Vision for an Enhanced Strategic Partnership. It was also an opportunity for the CJI to interact with judges hailing from the Supreme Court of Mauritius.
He also delivered the inaugural Sir Maurice Rault Memorial Lecture on “The Rule of Law in the Biggest Democracy”, stressing the unique and special India-Mauritius relationship while at the same time underscoring Sir Maurice Rault’s contributions towards the rule of law. The Hon’ble CJI spoke about the evolution of the rule of law in India, highlighting landmark cases. He underlined it as a shield for the vulnerable and as a standard of accountable governance, defining the ethical and legal contours of Indian democracy.
Head of State, His Excellency Dharambeer Gokhool, Hon’ble Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Hon’ble Chief Justice Mrs Rehana Bibi Mungly-Gulbul, Hon’ble Speaker Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra, Hon’ble Attorney General Gavin Patrick Cyril Glover, Leader of Opposition, former President, former Prime Minister, Hon’ble Judges, Hon’ble Ministers, Junior Ministers, members of the Mauritius Bar Association, academics, and students were present at the event.
