Case regarding state's seizure of 14 land plots under jurisdiction of Male' City Council to be submitted to Supreme Court
16 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހުކުރު 18:20The Male' City Council has passed a resolution to file a constitutional case with the Supreme Court challenging the government's decision to remove 14 strategic land plots from the council's jurisdiction. The council contends that the seizure of these lands violates the Decentralization Act, as the government has failed to provide adequate project details despite claiming the plots are required for urban development initiatives in Male' and Villimale'.
Male' City Mayor Adam Azim attended an emergency meeting held by the Male' City Council on Friday night. | raajjemv
The Male' City Council has decided to file a case with the Supreme Court over the government's decision to reclaim 14 plots of land currently under the council's jurisdiction.
In an emergency meeting held Friday night, the Male' City Council unanimously decided to file a constitutional case with the Supreme Court regarding the matter.
In a resolution passed regarding the matter, the Council noted that the Ministry’s directive to reclaim the land was issued in reference to a letter from the President’s Office. The resolution further stated that although the Council was given the opportunity to submit grievances concerning the decision, the Ministry failed to share any details of the proposed projects, as mandated by the Decentralization Act.
Furthermore, the resolution noted that no information was provided beyond the names of the projects. It asserted that the law does not envision the simultaneous seizure of multiple land plots in a single day for all state development projects. Consequently, the council has decided to take necessary legal action and pursue the matter through the courts.
The Ministry of Infrastructure announced on Thursday its decision to repossess 14 plots of land currently under the jurisdiction of the Male' City Council.
According to an announcement by the Ministry, the government has decided to remove specific land plots from the jurisdiction of the Male' City Council and reclassify them as state-owned property. This decision aims to facilitate essential urban development projects and the provision, expansion, and maintenance of infrastructure services required for the populations of Male' and Villimale'.
The Ministry of Infrastructure has decided to reclaim several key land plots, including Sultan Park, the National Museum, the Fish Market, and its reclaimed area. The list also extends to the Local Market, the Male’ City Council staff accommodation building, and the building housing the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Additionally, the acquisition includes the Carnival area, Artificial Beach, Masveringe Maizaan, Thaisay Koshi, Public Toilet No. 2, the council’s plant nursery site, Bondibaiy Park, and Rasfannu Beach.
The Ministry of Infrastructure has requested that any parties wishing to submit comments or grievances regarding the projects being carried out on these lands do so in writing to the Ministry within 14 days, starting from Thursday.
