(Seychelles News Agency) - Perform the judicial duties, know the truth and ensure that justice is served. These are principles that newly appointed Judge Seegobin Nunkoo says will guide his work in the Seychelles Supreme Court.

Nunkoo, a Mauritian national, was sworn in at State House Friday. He took the oath of allegiance and judicial oath before Seychelles President James Michel as well as other government and judicial officials.

Speaking to journalists, Nunkoo said it is an honour for a lawyer to be given the opportunity to serve in the office of judge. 

“I will have to work to fully understand the Seychelles judicial system, but what I know is that in Seychelles, the legal and constitutional culture attach much importance to the independence of the judiciary,” he said, adding that this will be one of the main principles that will guide him in carrying out his duties.

Judge Seegobin Nunkoo swearing in as a Seychelles Supreme Court Judge on Friday before President James Michel. (Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

The Constitutional Appointments Authority says that judges positions are advertised and that Seychellois as well as foreign individuals with the desired qualifications and experience are eligible to apply. 

Nunkoo, 67, becomes the 10^th judge of the Seychelles Supreme Court. He worked as a law professor for around 20 years before becoming a judge in Mauritius in 1995.

From 2005, Nunkoo worked for 10 years investigating the assets of convicted drug dealers in his role as Commissioner in the Mauritian Prime Minister's Office.

“It was an interesting and at the same time difficult work and it was a judicial function so I was in close contact with the law and the courts,” said Nunkoo. 

Photo 1: Judge Seegobin Nunkoo in a souvenir photo with President James Michel (second left) Chief Justice Mathilda Twomey (first left) Vice President Danny Faure (second right) and his wife (first right). Second Photo: he is pictured with seven other Supreme Court Judges including the Chief Justice. (Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

In a press statement issued Thursday, State House said President Michel had approved Nunkoo’s appointment following recommendations of the Constitutional Appointments Authority. 

The president has also approved the appointment of a 51-year-old Seychellois Lawyer Melchior Vidot as judge of the Supreme Court.

Vidot is expected to be sworn in as the 11^th judge of the Supreme Court in June. He is currently a private attorney and notary.