Male City Council Takes Legal Action Against Government Over Land Acquisition

The Malé City Council has filed a case in the Civil Court challenging the government's decision to transfer the title of 14 plots of land under the council's jurisdiction to state property. The government, through the Ministry of Infrastructure, gazetted the transfer on the 15th of this month, stating the land is needed for development projects. During an emergency session held on the 16th, the council passed a resolution to file the case, arguing that the government's announcement lacked details beyond project names and that acquiring all lands in one day is not contemplated by law. The council stated the move hinders the implementation of the decentralization system. Deputy Mayor Mikkail Mohamed Riaz, presiding over a council session today, stated they have requested details on the projects. He noted that if any complaints or opinions were sought before the transfer, it should have been done based on detailed project information. He added, "Since the procedures required to be completed in such situations under the existing laws related to land have not been fully carried out, we will also submit a request to the court to issue an interim order." Separately, a resolution opposing the land transfer was submitted to the People's Majlis today by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) opposition member Mohamed Ibrahim from the Gaolhu North constituency. The resolution argues the decision undermines council powers and hinders the decentralization system. While the Decentralization Act allows the Cabinet to remove land from council jurisdiction for government projects, the law requires the council to be consulted and its opinion sought, and for details of the project to be made public. The resolution states the government did not seek any consultation or opinion from the Malé City Council before deciding on the transfer. The 14 plots of land include locations such as the Sultan Park and Museum Area (earmarked for a modern e-sports arena and a museum park), the Fish Market (for a new office and business complex), the Local Market (for a modern market complex), and Bandidhoo Park (for a modern parking building). The resolution also notes that these lands currently generate revenue for the council's budget, used for maintaining mosques and administrative costs, which could be lost.