Ravi Balgobin Maharaj

Ravi Balgobin Maharaj
Born	16 November 1984 Curepe, Trinidad and Tobago
Alma mater	University of Greenwich
Occupation	Political Activist
Political party	United National Congress
Spouse	Nandita Maharaj

Ravi Balgobin Maharaj is a political and social activist in Trinidad and Tobago, known for his legal challenges against government actions and his alignment with the United National Congress (UNC). Maharaj has been involved in several high-profile cases, particularly those related to constitutional matters and government accountability. Maharaj has been successful in the expansion of the Freedom of Information Act through numerous Judicial Reviews when requests for information have been refused. This has led to the definition of state entities such as the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago being informed of their status as a public authority.

One of Maharaj's notable legal battles was his challenge to the government's decision to extend the tenure of the Commissioner of Police, Erla Harewood-Christopher. In 2023, Maharaj contested the one-year extension granted to Harewood-Christopher, arguing that it was unconstitutional and violated the powers of the Police Service Commission. Despite his efforts, the High Court ruled against him, stating that the extension was lawful under the Police Service Act. The matter is currently slated to be heard in the Privy Council as the final Court of Appeal in Trinidad and Tobago.

This is the second time Maharaj has contested the Constitutionality of the appointment of a Commissioner of Police in Trinidad and Tobago, as in 2001, Maharaj challenged the extension of Gary Griffith after his term had ended. The High Court ruled in favour of Maharaj and Griffith was immediately removed as Commissioner of Police.

In another prominent case in 2023, Maharaj successfully appealed to the Privy Council regarding the government's extension of local government representatives' terms by one year. The Privy Council's ruling in his favour was seen as a significant victory against what he argued was an unconstitutional move by the People's National Movement (PNM) government to delay local elections. This matter is also a landmark ruling in the British Commonwealth as it marks the first time a court has recognized a partial right to vote in a local government election.

Maharaj's activism and legal interventions have made him a key figure in political opposition, often challenging government decisions through the courts. His cases frequently involve issues of governance, constitutional law, and civil rights, highlighting his commitment to ensuring transparency and adherence to legal standards in Trinidad and Tobago.