Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Ahmed Muthasim Adnan has stated that if the cost associated with accessing justice is high, it could impede people's ability to seek justice. He made this remark during the inauguration ceremony of the new Magistrate Court building in Huraa, Kaafu Atoll.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Justice Adnan highlighted the role of the courts and the responsibilities of the judges in the administration of justice. He said the power to administer justice is given to the judges by the people and that it is the responsibility of the judges to maintain the dignity of the court as well as the citizens.
Additionally, Chief Justice Adnan said that reducing the cost associated with access justice will allow the courts to administer justice easily and he thanked lawyers in the Maldives who offer their services without charging fees. He also emphasised the importance of judges evaluating old legal documents to hone their skills and expand their capacities.
The project to construct the new magistrate court building was initiated by the Huraa Island Council in 2021. The magistrate court was previously established in a two-room building, which posed challenges in conducting trials, administrative tasks, and other court-related matters. The new building has been designed to provide adequate space and facilities for conducting court trials.