MP Ali Hussain files review of Supreme Court registrar's decision to dismiss Rasmalé case

Member of Parliament Ali Hussain has filed a review request at the Supreme Court against the registrar's decision to dismiss the case seeking to halt the Rasmalé development project. The registrar had ruled last Tuesday that the case could not be filed directly in the Supreme Court as a first instance, citing Article 11 of the Courts Act, which specifies that only cases involving a constitutional vacuum, a breakdown of the system, interpretation of the constitution, disputes between state institutions or powers, or matters of national interest may be filed directly in the apex court. Ali Hussain filed the review within the 14-day window allowed for challenging the registrar's decision. He previously stated that the registrar's decision was influenced by government pressure and that the merits of the case should be decided by the Supreme Court bench, not the registrar. The Rasmalé project, formally known as the 'Maldives Waterfront and Marina', is a $20 billion investment deal signed last month between the Maldivian government and UAE-based Eagle Hills. The project includes hotels, a marina, and commercial spaces. Concerns have been raised by some political figures and activists that the project could allow Israeli citizens to purchase property in the area, leading to a silent protest under the slogan 'Dhivehineh Bin Dhivehineh' (Land of Maldivians for Maldivians).