A Deputy Minister, who is a lawyer by profession, has been found advocating against the State in a case at High Court.
A Deputy Minister, who is a lawyer by profession, has been found advocating against the State in a case at High Court.
Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade Ibrahim Munavvar is the lawyer representing a private company in a tax related case against Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) at High Court.
In Thursday's hearing, MIRA's lawyer brought this to the attention of the Judges' bench.
The lawyer said that while MIRA is being represented in court by the State, questions arise whether a Minister of the State can advocate against the State in court.
Munavvar retorted that he did not see any legal justifications why he cannot represent a client as a lawyer even though he fills a Deputy Minister position.
He maintained that his work as a Deputy Minister does not, in any way, relate to the work of MIRA, adding that even the Economic Ministry does not conduct any work related to MIRA's purview.
"Hence, I do not believe there is any overlap or conflict, and MIRA also has not specified any such concerns," Munavvar said.
The Judges presiding over the case also asked MIRA about the legal justifications behind their concern. They asked for any articles in the law that prohibit such an act.
MIRA's lawyer responded that they were not aware of any such article in the law, but maintained that they are of the belief that doing so creates a conflict of interest.
Munavvar rejected these claims, stating he saw no reason why there is a conflict of interest. He said that if the court, however, finds it to be so, then he would withdraw himself from the case.
The hearing was adjourned, with the Judges stating that another hearing would be scheduled where they would announce a decision on the matter.
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