Parliament has endorsed two major amendments to existing laws, before going into recess to coincide with Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.
While six sittings have been held in the second session for the year, the parliament has endorsed important nominations to various positions in government and summoned several cabinet ministers for questioning.
However, the highlight of the second session so far has been the endorsement of two, important amendment bills; The Amendment Bill on the Import Export Act and the Amendment Bill on the Judicature Act. These amendments have now been ratified by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
The amendment brought to the Import Export Act reduces the duty on petrol and diesel, from 10% to 5%.
Following the ratification of the Amendment Bill on the Judicature Act, the total number of judges on the High Court bench has been increased from 9 to 11. This includes a Chief Judge and 10 additional judges.
Other important work carried out during the second session of parliament include the Bill on Amendment to the Criminal Procedures Act. The Criminal Procedures Act is scheduled to be implemented on July 2, 2017.
The bill was proposed by the Member of Parliament for Bilehdhoo Constituency Ahmed Mubeen on behalf of the government. However, the bill was swiftly withdrawn after differences emerged on the floor.
Sittings of the second session of parliament for the year 2017 began on June 5, 2017. Parliament will reconvene after the Eid Al-Fitr holidays.