The Civil Court of the Maldives has issued an order to halt action on implementing Male’ City Council’s decision to nullify the land registry of Hulhumale’ to Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
HDC had filed cases at the Civil Court and Local Government Authority (LGA) to declare that the decision by the city council to nullify the land registry of Hulhumale’ that had been awarded to HDC. In a temporary order issued on December 16, the Civil Court instructed all state authorities to halt any action to implement the decision by the city council, until further notice.
Disagreements emerged after HDC refused to allow an opposition rally to be held in the Hiyaa flat area. Male' City Council, which has a Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) majority, voted to nullify the Hulhumale' land registry after Deputy Mayor Ahmed Nareesh filed the motion during a council meeting.
HDC stated the city council’s decision to revoke HDC’s ownership of the land is illegal, adding the corporation is seeking compensation for damages. HDC stated the council's decision violates Article 24(b) of the Maldivian Land Act and Article 56(b) of the Decentralisation Act. The corporation also stated it was unconstitutional to transfer private property or registered land without authorisation from the owner unless it was through a court order. It stated it has requested the Civil Court and the LGA to review and conclude that the council's decision was unlawful.
Furthermore, HDC expressed concern over the opposition coalition attempting to hold the rally without authorisation and stated any party has the right to hold such activities after acquiring approval in accordance with the established regulations.
Male' City Council has stated that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has declared Hulhumale' falls under the council's jurisdiction, in accordance with the Decentralisation Act. However, the council stated it has been unable to receive responsibility for municipal and other basic services in Hulhumale' from HDC, despite attempts to solve the issue at the President's Office, LGA, and the Parliament of the Maldives.