The Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) has released guidelines outlining procedures for arranging marriages for prisoners. These guidelines specify the rules and processes involved in arranging marriages for prisoners and detainees in the custody of MCS. It covers various aspects such as the application process, marriage arrangements, and designated locations for the marriage ceremonies.
Prisoners and detainees who have been under the custody of MCS for a minimum of six months will be given the opportunity to marry, according to the guidelines. Similarly, prisoners under house arrest are eligible to marry from the date of their sentence. However, in the case of two prisoners wishing to marry, approval will only be granted after one of them is released from prison.
A written application must be submitted to the MCS to request the arrangement of a marriage for a prisoner or detainee. If the bride is submitting the application, it must be accompanied by a letter of no objection from the guardian. However, the bride will be responsible for providing the guardian's letter of no objection to the correctional service if the groom is submitting the application.
The commissioner of prisons or a designated official is required to approve the marriage arrangement request within seven days after the application is submitted. The expenses for arranging the marriage are the responsibility of the prisoner. Once permission is granted, the couple may choose to have their marriage ceremony at either the Family Court or the magistrate court of the island where the prisoner is in custody. In the case of a prisoner under house arrest, the marriage ceremony can take place at the Family Court or the magistrate court of the island where the person is confined.