The Supreme Court of the Maldives has declared that local councils have the authority to advocate in court over cases involving land issues.
The ruling was issued in relation to a case submitted by a citizen of Fenfushi, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll against the island council over an issue of land. The High Court of the Maldives had previously declared local councils can only advocate in court over such cases through the Attorney General’s Office.
The ruling issued by the Supreme Court read that the new constitution ratified in 2008 has brought major changes to the administration of atolls and islands, transferring many of the authorities from the central government to local councils. Therefore, the Supreme Court stated local councils would be able to advocate in court over any case involving land that falls under the jurisdiction of the council. The court stated forcing the local councils represented in court by the Attorney General’s Office limits the authorities provided by law to the councils and could also create a conflict of interest.
The ruling was issued unanimously by Supreme Court Justices Husnu Suood, Dr. Azmiralda Zahir and Ali Rasheed Hussain.