The Judiciary of the Republic of Seychelles announces that the Honourable Chief Justice Rony Govinden has stepped down from his position as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Seychelles preceding his appointment as a Justice of Appeal.
Chief Justice Govinden assumed office as Chief Justice on 9 November 2020 and has served at the helm of the Supreme Court for six years. His departure from the office of Chief Justice marks the conclusion of an important chapter in his judicial career and the beginning of a new phase of service to the Judiciary and the Republic of Seychelles.
During his tenure, Chief Justice Govinden has carried the responsibility of leading the Supreme Court and overseeing the administration of justice at the highest level of the Court’s jurisdiction. His tenure has been guided by the constitutional responsibility of the Judiciary to uphold the rule of law, protect fundamental rights and freedoms, safeguard judicial independence, and ensure that justice is administered fairly, impartially and without fear or favor.
As head of the Supreme Court, he has served at a time when public confidence in the administration of justice, respect for the Constitution, and the independence of the Judiciary remain fundamental to the strength of our democratic institutions. His leadership has been exercised within the framework of the constitutional principles of the separation of powers and the independence of the Judiciary, which are indispensable to the proper functioning of a constitutional democracy.
The Judiciary recognizes the significance of the office of Chief Justice, not merely as an institutional leadership position, but as a constitutional office carrying the solemn responsibility of safeguarding the integrity and independence of the judicial institution. The role demands an unwavering commitment to the Constitution, the rule of law, equality before the law and the fundamental principle that no person or authority stands above the law.
In accordance with his constitutional and judicial obligations, Chief Justice Govinden will continue to deal with and conclude all part-heard cases presently before him. This will ensure continuity in the administration of justice and enable matters in which proceedings have already commenced before him to be brought to their proper conclusion, in keeping with the interests of justice and the rights of the parties concerned.
His appointment as a Justice of Appeal will enable him to continue contributing his judicial experience and knowledge to the administration of justice at the appellate level. He joins a bench currently comprising of two other resident Justices; Justice Fiona Robinson, and Justice Samia André, as well as the non resident Justices of Appeal, Justice Karuna Gunesh Balaghjee, Justice Janak de Silva, Justice Nicola Sharpe Phiri, and Justice Dominic Sichinga. These Justices are called in as and when the Court of Appeal requires for hearings.
On this occasion, the Judiciary acknowledges Chief Justice Govinden’s service and dedication to the institution during his tenure as Chief Justice. It also recognises the personal and professional responsibilities that accompany the leadership of the Judiciary and the importance of ensuring continuity, institutional stability and public confidence in the administration of justice.
As he concludes his tenure, the Judiciary extends its appreciation for his service in that office and wishes him well as he assumes his new responsibilities as a Justice of Appeal.
The Judiciary remains firmly committed to its constitutional mandate and to the enduring principles of judicial independence, the rule of law, equality before the law and the separation of powers, which continue to underpin the administration of justice and the democratic governance of the Republic of Seychelles.