UK Court Clears Path for Mauritius to Take Over Chagos Islands, Lifts Legal Ban

London: A British court has lifted the ban imposed by the British government on handing over the disputed Chagos Islands to Mauritius. A few hours before the leaders of the two countries signed the agreement on Thursday, a High Court judge had issued a temporary order to stop the transfer. However, after the hearing, the judge said that the ban should be lifted.

Trump has also given approval on the Chagos Islands

Britain has agreed to hand over this archipelago in the Indian Ocean to Mauritius. There is a strategically important naval and bomber base on the largest island Diego Garcia here. After this, Britain will be able to lease the base again for at least 99 years. US President Donald Trump's administration was consulted in this regard and gave its approval, but the deal was delayed in finalizing after last-minute negotiations over the cost.

The islands were to be handed over to Mauritius today itself

British Prime Minister Keir Stormer and Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam were to sign the agreement in a digital ceremony on Thursday morning. But, a High Court judge issued an injunction, stopping the agreement. This decision came on the claim of two women representing the indigenous people of the island. The indigenous people of this island were evicted decades ago to clear the way for the construction of an American base.

Why did the British court impose a stay

British citizens Bernadette Dugasse and Bertrice Pomp fear that their return will become even more difficult once the archipelago comes under the control of Mauritius. High Court Judge Julian Goose temporarily stopped the British government from taking any "decisive or legally binding steps" to end its negotiations regarding the handover of the British Indian Ocean Territory, also known as the Chagos Archipelago, to a foreign government.

The court had issued a stay order

He said, "The defendant must maintain Britain's (UK) jurisdiction over the British Indian Ocean Territory until further orders." The British government said, "We do not comment on ongoing legal matters. This agreement is the right thing to protect the people of Britain and for our national security."

The Chagos Archipelago has been in Britain's possession since 1814

The Chagos Archipelago, one of the last remnants of the British Empire, has been under British control since 1814. Britain separated the archipelago from Mauritius in 1965. Mauritius gained independence three years later.