Case involving MP Sinan’s seat: Verdict scheduled for Sunday!

The Supreme Court has scheduled the verdict for next Sunday in the constitutional case seeking to disqualify Mohamed Sinan, the Member of Parliament for the North Hithadhoo constituency.

Although a significant amount of time has passed since this case was first submitted to the Supreme Court, proceedings were previously stalled due to the removal of several justices. Under current regulations, major constitutional matters can only proceed when presided over by a bench consisting of either five or seven justices.

Although the hearings for this case were concluded in July 2025, a significant amount of time has passed without a sentencing hearing being scheduled.

The case had remained stalled for a significant period, particularly following the reconstitution of the new bench.

After a lengthy delay, the sentencing hearing for this case has finally been scheduled for 12:45 p.m. this coming Sunday.

A petition has been filed with the Supreme Court seeking to disqualify PNC Member of Parliament Sinan over an outstanding bank loan. The case alleges that he failed to settle a debt owed to the Maldives Islamic Bank in accordance with a prior court judgment.

According to the Constitution, a Member of Parliament shall lose their seat if they fail to settle a proven debt in accordance with a court judgment.

The case involves a 3.8 million MVR loan taken from the Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) by Sinan in collaboration with several others. Following a default of 2.5 million MVR on the loan, the Hithadhoo Magistrate Court has ordered the outstanding balance to be settled in full within six months. The ruling mandates that the total amount be divided into six monthly installments, with a minimum required payment to be submitted to the court each month.

Based on the arguments presented in the Supreme Court regarding this case, the central question focused on whether Sinan had settled the debt in accordance with the court's judgment. Sinan’s legal counsel argued that the court had granted a six-month period to settle the debt, and maintained that the payment was completed before this deadline expired. The lawyer further stated that the debt was cleared as soon as the Member became aware of the existence of such a judgment.

Sinan's legal counsel stated that the Hithadhoo Magistrate Court delivered the verdict in absentia, despite having been notified that the appointed lawyer was unable to attend. The lawyer further noted that Sinan was unaware that a judgment had even been issued.

Furthermore, he stated that MP Sinan was informed of the verdict much later. He added that the matter only came to his attention after a case for the enforcement of the judgment was subsequently filed and registered in court.

Consequently, the presiding judges ordered Sinan to submit documentation and bank statements clarifying the exact date he became aware of the debt repayment judgment, as well as evidence detailing the method of payment.

Sinan's lawyer stated that his client only became aware of the judgment against him on January 22, 2025. He noted that from the moment Sinan learned of the ruling, he worked toward settling the debt. The lawyer further explained that once the funds were secured, a payment of 1.7 million Rufiyaa was made on February 13. He added that the remaining balance was settled well before the expiration of the six-month period stipulated in the judgment.

The legal counsel for Ghalib Saleem, who filed the case, stated that the Magistrate Court sent the verdict to Sinan via Viber yesterday. The court further confirmed that after sending a message to verify receipt, they also placed a call to inform him that the judgment had been delivered through the app. In response, Sinan replied to the message with "Got it," confirming that he had received the document.

Regarding the matter, Sinan’s lawyer stated that although he received the message sent via Viber, Sinan had not reviewed the judgment.

This is the first case filed in court challenging the legitimacy of a seat held by a member of the 20th People’s Majlis.