State considers strike out of Burness case

The Government will consider whether it will apply for strike out of the court action of FNPF pensioner David Burness in its entirety.

Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said given that the issue of jurisdiction in relation to the application has not been addressed by the court, the state will consider an application for strike out based on jurisdiction and abuse of process.

The High Court has already struck out the application by Burness for orders restraining the FNPF and the state from making any decision on the proposed review of the FNPF Act.

The court has also said that it is not satisfied of any probable basis on which the human rights of Burness could be violated by any reforms that could be introduced by FNPF as his affidavit was based on mere speculation rather than credible and reliable information.

The High Court has permitted Burness to rectify his procedural and technical errors in the pleadings within 21 days.

The matter will be called again on the 30th of next month to ascertain whether proper documents have been filed on behalf of Burness.


Story by: Vijay Narayan