Chief Justice Unveils Reforms to Standardize Procedures Across 194 Maldivian Courts

Chief Justice Abdul Ghanee Mohamed has announced a comprehensive reform agenda designed to bring inclusive, standardized solutions to all 194 judicial courts across the Maldives. Speaking at the 18th anniversary ceremony of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice emphasized the judiciary's critical role as a foundational pillar of the state. Central to these reforms is a new regulation taking effect on October 1, which will unify the procedural rules for every Magistrate Court under a single framework developed by the Supreme Court. This initiative aims to eliminate administrative bottlenecks and address chronic technical staff shortages that have historically hindered court operations. According to the Chief Justice, the move reflects a commitment to addressing the specific concerns raised by lower courts. He noted that the judiciary has spent the past year adopting a justice-centric mindset, preparing the ground for these systemic improvements. Financial independence granted to the judiciary over the last year has played a pivotal role in this transition. This autonomy has allowed for strategic planning and closer cooperation with the Department of Judicial Administration and the Judicial Service Commission. A newly approved administrative structure is now driving a recruitment campaign for technical personnel, creating clear career progression pathways for existing staff. To further modernize the legal system, the Supreme Court launched a new bilingual website in English and Dhivehi. The digital platform introduces online case filing, real-time tracking of procedural stages, and publicly accessible statistics, significantly increasing transparency for litigants and legal professionals. The event also served as an occasion to recognize long-term service. Administration Officer Shameema Mohamed and Legal Assistant Ahmed Abdulla were honored, alongside several staff members with over a decade of service. The Supreme Court of the Maldives was established on September 18, 2008, following the ratification of the nation's current Constitution.