President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated his administration has accorded the highest priority to ensure the establishment of a fair and just judicial system, assuring the government has no intention to attempt to influence the judicial system in Maldives.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Judicial Year 2020, President Solih noted the courts have restructured their administrative workload to cater more convenient and efficient services to the public. The president underscored the important roles judges and courts play in solving critical societal problems arising in the country. He further stressed on the importance of establishing justice in a well-timed manner without adjournment.
Furthermore, President Solih urged judges to give special consideration in passing out verdicts, especially in cases of child abuse. The president also shed light on the resolution passed by Department of Judicial Administration where any case regarding sexual abuse of children will be administratively dealt within 24 hours of the issue being reported and in instances where it takes no longer than 48 hours in between two hearings. He also stated the arrangement will enable the courts to pass out verdicts within six months of reporting the offence in the courts.
Moreover, President Solih stated he believes relevant laws need to be amended in order to fully reform the judicial system. He elaborated on the steps taken by the administration in evaluating laws and identifying the necessary modifications that need to be brought to the constitution.
The president also shared future developmental plans in bringing all the courts in Male' City, except the Supreme Court, under the same building in Hulhumale' and solving further difficulties faced by courts from land scarcity to resources.