The Attorney General's Office (AGO) has handed over cases involving land issues to local councils following a ruling from the Supreme Court of the Maldives.
The Supreme Court has declared that local councils have the authority to advocate in court over issues involving land. The AGO stated it has handed over the cases involving land issues, in which it had previously represented the local councils. The Supreme Court ruling was issued in relation to a case submitted against Fenfushi 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 AGO. 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 courts over any case involving land that falls under the jurisdiction of the council.
The apex court stated forcing the local councils represented in court by the AGO limits the authorities provided by law to the councils and could also create a conflict of interest.