● <B>Minister Dulloo sacked.</B> The minister of Foreign Affairs and International trade, Madan Dulloo, is joining the Opposition bench next Tuesday. After criticising the Social Alliance for the lack of decisions made since it reached power in 2005, the Prime minister, Navin Ramgoolam, saw red. He simply dismissed the minister because he felt the latter could not afford to dissociate himself from the government while he was still a senior minister. Madan Dulloo said he was fed up because he had not been able to meet Navin Ramgoolam despite several requests for an appointment. The MMSM leader was due to meet the MMM and opposition leader, Paul Bérenger, yesterday afternoon.

● <B> Privy Council to hear Ashock Jugnauth in July.</B> The judicial committee of the Privy Council will hear the case of Ashock Jugnauth concerning his seat at the National Assembly on 14th July. However no date was fixed for the ruling of the Law Lords. If they feel the case is urgent, they could well give their ruling on the same date. But they could also decide that the case can wait and give their ruling afterwards. This decision is expected to create havoc in the political landscape if the Privy Council confirms the Supreme Court ruling. The local judges have found Ashock Jugnauth guilty of corruption and have declared his election null and void after his rival, Raj Ringadoo, made a statement against him.

● <B> Court clears jérome Ferrat of rape charge.</B> Jérôme Ferrat is relieved. The Court has cleared him of the accusations of rape made against him by Evelyne Driver. The magistrates found that the plaintiff has not been able to prove that the sexual intercourse mentioned was done without the consent of both parties. They found that the plaintiff?s version was not credible. She said that Jérome Ferrat had sexually abused her twice after a wedding reception when she had asked him for a lift to take her back home. The accused has always maintained that he indeed had sexual intercourse with the plaintiff but that it was with her full consent.