Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has commenced work on dissolving the Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court.
JSC stated the commission had decided to dissolve the Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court as the court had been established unlawfully. As such, JSC noted the Constitution of the Maldives clearly states Male’ City shall only house superior courts, while other islands will have magistrate courts. Noting Hulhumale’ is an administrative division of Male’, JSC said the establishment of a magistrate court in Hulhumale’ violates the constitution.
JSC further noted the Supreme Court order issued on December 5, 2012 which validated the establishment of Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court was based on some false and unlawful reasons. JSC stated a request was made to the Supreme Court to revise the order, which was denied on February 8, 2022 citing the lack of a clear injustice or legal conflict. However, JSC said the dissolution of the Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court was commenced as there is no legal ground to operate a magistrate court in the capital city.
Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court was formed in 2012. The court has been subject to several debates over its legitimacy over the years.