Prominent lawyers in Maldives have noted any disciplinary complaints against lawyers can only be submitted to Maldives Bar Council as the Legal Profession Bill is now in effect.
While a disciplinary issue against a lawyer at Prosecutor General's Office have been submitted by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom to the Supreme Court, several lawyers have highlighted such complaints can only be submitted to Maldives Bar Council now.
The lawyers made the comments citing Article 7 of the Legal Profession Bill which states the authorities and mandates of the Executive Committee of Maldives Bar Council.
Issues of lawyers violating regulations and disciplinary standards must be investigated by the Maldives Bar Council, according to article 7. The Legal Profession Bill came in to effect on June 27.
A letter sent by the former president to Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi said he decided to file the case as the state prosecutor had made a false statement during the last hearing held on his money laundering trial.