High Court Halts Order to Reinstate Maldives Hajj Corporation Auditor

The High Court has ordered the suspension of an Employment Tribunal decision that directed the Maldives Hajj Corporation to reinstate a dismissed internal auditor, pending a final ruling on the appeal. The case was filed by Mohamed Haleem of Reehussaabaa, North Malé Atoll, against the Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited after he was dismissed from his position as internal auditor on January 20, 2025. Haleem, who had served in the role since November 23, 2020, argued that his dismissal lacked substantive and procedural fairness. The Employment Tribunal ruled in his favor, ordering his reinstatement and payment of MVR 74,225, minus an already-paid notice period sum of MVR 26,509. The Tribunal gave the Corporation thirty working days to comply. However, the Hajj Corporation appealed, arguing the decision contradicts Supreme Court principles and that implementing it before the High Court's ruling could create financial and operational difficulties, including the need to fill a vacant position. The High Court has now ordered that no steps be taken to enforce the Tribunal's order until the court issues its decision on the appeal.