Supreme Court of the Maldives has revealed it has concluded 25% more cases in 2020 compared to the previous year.
In a press statement to mark its 13-year anniversary, the Supreme Court highlighted the economic and administrative difficulties faced by institutions in the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Supreme Court stated it had worked diligently to continue to provide justice in the past two years by continuing to hold hearings with the help of modern technology and by making other improvements to its administration. The court also stated it is implemented its guidelines on transparency introduced in 2020 by publicising audio recordings and live streams of hearings.
The Supreme Court noted that this year has been exceptionally productive, with 225 cases submitted and 121 cases registered from September 18, 2020, to September 18, 2021. Additionally, the court stated that 369 hearings were held in 2020 with 90 cases concluded, which is 25% higher compared to the previous year. The court stated that information technology has decreased the number of paperwork and increased productivity in its administration with the introduction of modern technology and software. The court added that details of its decisions are being uploaded for internal use and will also be made available to attorneys and law students.
In the press statement, Supreme Court also stated it will continue to improve the legal system.