Lawsuit filed in Civil Court seeking to overturn decision to bar 'Adhadhu' journalists from attending President's Office' press briefings
20 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | އާދީއްތަ 07:44A lawsuit has been filed in Civil Court seeking a ruling that the President's Office's decision to bar the news outlet "Adhadhu" from its press conferences is a violation of fundamental rights. The lawsuit contends that this measure, taken without providing an opportunity for accountability, contravenes Article 16 of the Constitution and constitutes a restriction on rights that exceeds what is permissible in a free and democratic society.
Police currently active at Adhadhu news office. | Raajje MV
A lawsuit has been filed in the Civil Court challenging the President's Office's decision to bar Adhadhu and its journalists from attending press conferences organized by the office.
The lawsuit seeks a court ruling to declare the decision a violation of fundamental rights and requests that the measures taken be overturned.
The lawsuit contends that the restriction of these rights violates Article 16 of the Constitution. It further asserts that the measures taken by the President's Office exceed the limitations permissible within a free and democratic society.
The President's Office has temporarily barred journalists from the news outlet "Adhadhu" from attending its press conferences. This decision follows allegations that the outlet violated a Criminal Court order regarding a video documentary it produced.
Article 16 of the Constitution stipulates that every person is entitled to fundamental rights and freedoms, provided they do not contravene the tenets of Islam. It further mandates that any limitation on the scope of these rights or freedoms may only be imposed by an Act of Parliament that does not conflict with the Constitution.
The article stipulates that any limitation imposed by an Act of Parliament on a fundamental right or freedom must be confined to an extent that is demonstrably justifiable in a free and democratic society.
Regarding the measures taken against Adhadhu news, while the President's Office cited violations of the code of ethics and related provisions, Section 65 of the Act mandates that due process must be followed. Furthermore, Section 67 stipulates that media outlets must be granted the opportunity to respond before any disciplinary action is taken. For instance, even in cases where false information is published, Section 72 requires that the outlet be given the opportunity to issue an apology and a correction.
