Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan has stated that modern changes and comprehensive solutions are needed to strengthen the Maldivian justice system. He made these remarks while speaking at a meeting titled Unlocking Justice held at Kurumba Resort, a collaborative event between the Attorney General’s Office and the British High Commission.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Justice said while Maldivians have traditionally been sees as kind and compassionate people, crime rates have increased in recent years. While heinous crimes such as murders were once deeply concerning to the public, societal attention to such crimes has now reduced, he noted.
The Chief Justice said that the criminal justice system received over 2,000 new cases every year over the past five years. He noted that the number of cases are increasing and with no adequate resolution to the issues faced.
The Chief Justice noted that significant efforts have been undertaken over the years to strengthen the Penal Code since its introduction in 1968. While acknowledging that the country’s justice system has made progress, he stated that the introduction of the Criminal Procedure Act and Evidence Act brought ease in various ways. However, further comprehensive solutions are essential to enhance the criminal justice system, he stated.
“We have to give space for initiatives within the legal framework aimed at strengthening the system. We need to identify the systemic issues. We need comprehensive solutions to enhance the system, and we have to ensure that they are common standards and modern changes,” he stated.
The Chief Justice further stated that efforts to strengthen the system must be transparent efforts that ensure equitable justice for all. While efforts are underway to digitalise the system as a whole, this will expedite the delivery of justice, he added.
Further noting that the decisions of the Supreme Court and the High Court have made it easier for lower courts to decide on criminal cases, the Chief Justice emphasised the importance of entities working together in unity to strengthen the system.