Mayor of Male' City Council Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated no institution can overrule the council's jurisdiction.
Speaking at a press conference, Mayor Muizzu said the jurisdiction of the Male' City Council has clearly been specified in the Decentralisation Act. The mayor said the city council works to fulfill its mandate and that Hulhumale' and its municipal services are within the council's jurisdiction. He said the council is also willing to accept responsibility for maintaining the municipal services of the island if necessary, but only if the government allocates the budget for the council.
Disagreements emerged after the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) refused to allow the opposition coalition to hold a rally in the Hiyaa flat area, which resulted in the Male' City Council nullifying the Hulhumale' land registry.
HDC stated the council has taken illegal action by revoking its ownership of the land and will seek compensation in court.