Court of Appeal Opens Second Term with Eight Cases Listed for Hearing

VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Court of Appeal yesterday opened its second term for the year, with eight cases listed for hearing, including one constitutional matter and one stemming from a criminal matter. Six civil cases were also listed for this term, although the court was informed during the roll call that three of the cases — two criminal and one civil — were subsequently withdrawn.

As highlighted by President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Anthony Fernando, all of the appeals were filed this year. Initially, 16 appeal cases were listed for hearing, but five cases were withdrawn prior to the listing of cases, and the drawing up of appeal briefs, a process that is time-consuming and costly for the court and the state. He further reminded counsels of a few ground rules, including the use of mobile phone devices, and conduct expected of them within the court.

Justice Fernando reiterated his call to counsels to inform the court of withdrawals prior to the listing of cases, and the drawing up of appeal briefs, a process that is time-consuming and costly for the court, and the state. The Court of Appeal sits for three terms a year — April, August and December. It is composed of five Justices of Appeal. Cases must be heard by at least three Justices, while Constitutional appeal cases are usually heard by five Justices. Judgments will be delivered by the court on Monday, August 18.