Karunakaran v The Tribunal & Or (MA 19 of 2018) [2018] SCCC 8 (14 May 2018)

IN THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF SEYCHELLES [Corum: S. Nunkoo, M. Vidot, L. Pillay ] MA 19/2018 (arising in CP 09/2017) [2018] SCCC 08 MR DURAIKANNU KARUNAKARAN Petitioner versus THE TRIBUNAL & OR Respondent Heard: Counsel: Mr. Boulle for petitioner Mr. Chinnasamy for 2nd respondent Delivered: 15 May 2018 ORDER Order of the Court[1] In matters of the contempt of Court, this Court is empowered to deal with it, ie contempt in the face of it in virtue of its inherent powers; [2] We witnessed the behaviour of Mr. Karunakaran, which conduct constitutes an interference with the work of this Court and therefore amounts to contempt. We observed Mr Karunakaran, moving from his seat and going right behind Mr. Chinnasamy, he spoke to Mr. Subramanian, and we also saw him speaking to Mr. Chinnasamy. We witnessed a very spontaneous reaction from Mr. Chinnasamy, who looked very disturbed and reported to the bench that Mr. Karunakaran had verbally abused him; [3] Additionally, we have received a letter from the Attorney General requesting that action be taken against Mr. Karunakaran, the letter is dated 29th of March. And we have received statements from Mr. Thachett and Mr. Subramanian; [4] Accordingly, based on our observations and the documents that we have in our possession we are of the view that sufficient grounds exist for Mr. Karunakaran to show cause as to why he should not be dealt with for contempt of the Court. Signed, dated and delivered at Ile du Port on 15 May 2018 S Nunkoo J Presiding Judge M Vidot J Judge of the Supreme Court L Pillay J Judge of the Supreme Court 2