President's Office Spokesperson Heena Waleed stated that it is not permissible for any person holding a state position, including political appointees, to advocate against a state institution in a trial.
President's Office said today that it is investigating a case involving Deputy Minister for Economic Development and Trade Ibrahim Munavvaru, who is representing a client in a tax-related case against the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) at the High Court.
President's Office Spokesperson Heena Waleed stated that it is not permissible for any person holding a state position, including political appointees, to advocate against a state institution in a trial. As such, the government is looking into this matter.
MIRA's lawyers argued that since the agency is represented by the state in court, it raises the question of whether a state minister can advocate against the state in such proceedings.
When MIRA's lawyers raised this point, Deputy Minister Munavvaru responded that, despite holding a government position, he did not see any reason why he could not represent his client in court.
Munavvaru stated that he is not involved in any work related to MIRA, and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade is not engaged in any activities concerning MIRA’s operations.
The judges deliberated on the issue for an extended period and decided to adjourn the hearing. They will schedule another date to address the objection raised by MIRA's lawyer and make a decision regarding the matter.
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