Supreme Court rejects case against allotting council seats for women

Supreme Court of Maldives has rejected a case filed against the amendment to the Decentralisation Act that reserves 33% of local council seats for women.

The case was submitted by former youth wing leader of Jumhooree Party (JP) Moosa Anwar. In the letter sent to Moosa Anwar, the Supreme Court revealed the case was rejected as cases about laws or part of laws that conflicts the constitution must first be submitted to the High Court.

The case submitted by Moosa Anwar outlined the law is unjust, and hence against the constitution, as it prevents men from contesting to all the seats of the councils. He further stated the decision goes against the fundamental right granted in the constitution for both genders to contest in elections.