Milan Meetarbhan critically analyses the Constitution

Milan Meetarbhan, former Mauritian Ambassador to the UN, launched his book entitled “Mauritian Constitutional Law- Constitution of Mauritius with Commentaries” on Tuesday at Hennessy Park Hotel, in the wake of the celebration fifty years of constitutional law.

After much research work, Milan Meetarbhan has written a book defining the laws of the Mauritian Constitution. “Mauritian Constitutional Law - Constitution of Mauritius with Commentaries”, which includes his critics about the Constitution Law of Mauritius, was launched in front of the Petrusmok Library.

The book consists of the theory and the practice of the constitutional supremacy, the comparative and International Law dimensions and the protection of Fundamental Rights.

Strategically, Milan Meetarbhan presented the book 50 years after the first Constitution was drafted. The first Constitution was granted to Mauritius by the UK parliament. According to the author, this book allows us to analyse what, over fifty years, has or has not worked in the Constitution.

It has become important to give a clear apprehension about what our Constitution is made of in order to avoid the manipulation of our rights."

Many personalities were present at the event namely former presidents Cassam Uteem and Kailash Purryag, former Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, former Finance minister Rama Sithanen, Kailash Ruhee, Amédée Darga, Kris Cauhnye, Alain Gordon-Gentil, attorneys and lawyers, among others.

According to Milan Meetarbhan, laws are often manipulated by people in power. “It has become important to give a clear apprehension about what our Constitution is made of in order to avoid the manipulation of our rights. This book will help the population to better know about our laws and understand them.”

He explained that he was able to analyse, research and put on paper what he learnt after months of rigorous research. Milan Meetarbhan insists in saying that Mauritius needs a new approach regarding the Constitution. He also talked about the progressive development of case law.

He underlines that he favoured the "comments" style in his book to touch on some important chapters that concern all citizens. “It is an overview of our Constitution that I made 50 years after its conception to see if it has functioned with regard to the protection of the fundamental rights of our citizens. It will also help many youngsters to know more about these laws,” he stated. The writer also wants to inform that after 50 years, there are new tendencies concerning laws. Mauritius, according to him, should also follow the lead of other countries in term of comparative and International Law dimensions.

The writer also suggested that the number of voters should be equal in each constituency, which is currently not the case. Milan Meetarbhan concluded that electoral reform is a must in our country.

Reshmee Bheemuck