SC accepts case seeking to declare MP Sinan's seat vacant
After the case was submitted to the Supreme Court, MP Sinan has paid the money
Mohamed Sinan, MP for North Hithadhoo constituency
The Supreme Court of the Maldives has accepted a case seeking to declare the parliamentary seat of Mohamed Sinan, MP for North Hithadhoo constituency, vacant.
The case was submitted to the court on 13 February 2025. The case, which was filed by Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) at the Hithadhoo Magistrate Court, has been proven against MP Sinan. In addition to him, the case is also against Ahmed Waheed of S. Hithadhoo, Vaadhooge, and Mohamed Saleem of the same island.
The case, submitted to the Supreme Court by a private individual, concerns a Sales and Leaseback Financing Facility of MVR 3,802,863.32, that Mohamed Sinan of S. Hithadhoo, Member of Parliament for North Hithadhoo constituency, along with other parties, obtained from Maldives Islamic Bank. As they failed to make payments according to the agreement with the bank, MIB filed a case at the Addu Atoll Hithadhoo Magistrate Court on 21 July 2024. The court, after reviewing the case, on 14 October 2024 ordered that the proven amount due to the Islamic Bank at that time, MVR 2,520,222.98 be paid within six months, with monthly payments not less than the amount due for each month. The case was filed claiming that payments were not made to the bank as per the judgment.
The petitioner has requested the court to declare that Sinan, MP for North Hithadhoo constituency, has been removed from his position as a member of the People's Majlis under Article 73(c)(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives.
As this case seeking permission from the Supreme Court was submitted in accordance with the Supreme Court regulations, the court has accepted the case.
However, after the case was submitted to the Supreme Court, MP Sinan has paid the money.
The Constitution of the Republic of Maldives includes, among the circumstances where a member of parliament loses their seat, the failure to pay a proven debt for those who have such debts to settle. Therefore, the case has been submitted to the Supreme Court to decide on MP Sinan's seat in this matter.
