Reinstatement of former ACP Asif to Maldives Correctional Service put on hold
3 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ހޯމަ 06:59The High Court has issued a stay of execution on a Civil Court ruling that ordered the reinstatement of Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Mohamed Asif, who was dismissed over embezzlement allegations. The stay order follows an appeal filed by the state against the lower court's decision. Consequently, Asif's reinstatement remains suspended until the High Court reaches a final verdict regarding the allegations that he misappropriated funds from the Prisons Club.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Mohamed Asif. | RaajjeMV
The High Court has issued an order to stay the implementation of a Civil Court ruling that mandated the reinstatement of Mohamed Asif, who served as the Assistant Commissioner of Prisons (ACP) at Maldives Correctional Service, following his dismissal.
The High Court issued this order following an appeal filed by the state challenging the Civil Court's ruling.
Regarding the background of this case, Asif was dismissed from his position following a prolonged period of suspension. Specifically, his termination was finalized after he had been kept under suspension for eight months.
Following a legal challenge filed in the Civil Court regarding his dismissal, the court ruled that his employment had been terminated unlawfully. Consequently, the Civil Court has ordered his reinstatement to the position.
Dissatisfied with the Civil Court's ruling, the state appealed the matter to the High Court. The state requested the High Court to issue an interlocutory injunction to stay the enforcement of the Civil Court's judgment until a final decision is reached on the appeal.
In a unanimous ruling issued by the three-judge bench presiding over the case, the High Court has ordered a stay on Asif’s reinstatement to his position until the court reaches a final decision on the matter.
Information has been received that Asif was suspended at the time in connection with an embezzlement case. Specifically, a complaint was filed by staff alleging that Asif, in his capacity as President of the Prisons Club and Assistant Commissioner of Prisons, misappropriated over 100,000 Rufiyaa from the club for personal use.
In this case, which surfaced in July 2024, Asif is accused of withdrawing more than MVR 200,000 from the Prisons Club account. He is further alleged to have transferred these funds into various other accounts.
The Maldives Correctional Service has also investigated the matter. In a petition submitted by the staff, they called for disciplinary action against Asif and the recovery of the funds he is alleged to have misappropriated.
