The Civil Court of Maldives has ordered sculptures on display at the semi-submerged art gallery in Fairmont Maldives’ Sirru Fen Fushi resort to be removed within five hours.

The ruling was heard on Thursday and the resort has been told that if they do not abide by it, officers of law enforcement will have them removed within a duration of seven hours.

On 23rd July, Sirru Fen Fushi unveiled the world's first semi-submerged art gallery, complete works designed by globally renowned eco-artist Jason deCaires Taylor.

The use of life-like sculptures has been a point of concern in the Maldives, with a majority of its citizens identifying heavily with total religious uniformity, and many – including prominent scholars and politicians – have expressed misgivings over the matter, calling it sacrilegious and un-Islamic

Sculptures at the gallery, called The Coralarium, are built from non-toxic and non-harmful compounds. The sculptures are exposed and act as artificially reefs and Fairmont has said that it hopes they will become a sanctuary for marine life.