Financial Autonomy Through Judiciary Block Grant will Accelerate Administration of Justice, Top Court Says

The Supreme Court has lauded a "historic" decision by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's administration to allocate a fixed percentage of state revenue to the judiciary as a block grant, a move hailed as a significant step toward ensuring its financial independence.

The grant, set to be included in next year's state budget, is expected to resolve longstanding financial issues and accelerate the administration of justice.

The decision, made by the Cabinet, was welcomed in a statement from the Supreme Court, which said the initiative would help establish and strengthen an independent judiciary in the Maldives.

President Dr Muizzu has initiated legal and systemic reforms to provide this decision with the necessary legal authority to become a sustainable measure.

The Supreme Court's statement expressed hope that the block grant would offer a long-term solution to the financial problems plaguing the judiciary. The court noted that a lack of financial autonomy has historically been a barrier to the judiciary's ability to operate without external influence.

Under the new system, the judiciary will receive a block grant based on a specific percentage of state revenue, a departure from previous budget ceilings. The President has affirmed that the new allocation would be higher than the current budget ceiling for the judiciary, ensuring its complete financial independence.

In addition to securing the judiciary's financial independence, the administration is focused on improving the overall justice system which includes plans to construct a Superior Court Complex in Hulhumalé to address the persistent shortage of court space. This and other systemic changes are part of a broader effort to ensure a more efficient and effective judicial system.

The Supreme Court expressed its gratitude to President Dr Muizzu for his commitment to reinforcing the integrity and functionality of the judicial system.