The Criminal Court has decided not to go to recess this year.
The Criminal Court usually goes to recess in the middle of the year and in December each year. The court had decided not to go to recess in June this year due to unfinished work over space constraints.
The Criminal Court has now decided not to go to recess in December due to the same reason. The court stated that the space constraints are hindering its work, highlighting that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) ordered the court to stop using part of the building on February 22.
The Criminal Court also expressed concern that, while the court is expected to be transferred to the COVID-19 facility in Hulhumale', it has not been given a specific date of completion for renovations at the building. As such, the court decided to not go to recess due to these reasons.
Additionally, the Criminal Court stated that the number of scheduled cases has dropped by 50% due to the space constraints, resulting in an increasing number of complaints from defendants, especially those in custody. It also highlighted the low number of cases concluded by the court and the increasing backlog of judges due to fewer hearings being held.