Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has filed cases at the Civil Court of the Maldives and the Local Government Authority (LGA) to reverse the decision to nullify the Hulhumale' land registry.
Disagreements emerged after the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) refused to allow an opposition rally to be held in the Hiyaa flat area, which resulted in Male' City Council nullifying the Hulhumale' land registry. Male' City Council, which has a Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) majority, voted to nullify the Hulhumale' land registry after Deputy Mayor Ahmed Nareesh filed the motion during a council meeting.
In a letter, the council notified the HDC that the land registry for Hulhumale' Phase I and Phase II has been nullified. HDC stated the council has taken illegal action by revoking its ownership of the land and is seeking compensation for damages. HDC stated Hulhumale' is registered under the corporation and was reclaimed at its own expense.
Therefore, HDC stated the council's decision violates Article 24(b) of the Maldivian Land Act and Article 56(b) of the Decentralisation Act. The corporation also stated it was unconstitutional to transfer private property or registered land without authorisation from the owner unless it was through a court order. It stated it has requested the Civil Court and the LGA to review and conclude that the council's decision was unlawful.
Furthermore, HDC expressed concern over the opposition coalition attempting to hold the rally without authorisation and stated any party has the right to hold such activities after acquiring approval in accordance with the established regulations. Male' City Council has stated that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has declared Hulhumale' falls under the council's jurisdiction, in accordance with the Decentralisation Act.
However, the council stated it has been unable to receive responsibility for municipal and other basic services in Hulhumale' from HDC, despite attempts to solve the issue at the President's Office, LGA, and the Parliament of the Maldives.