A robust Family Justice Act is crucial: Chief Justice

Chief Justice Abdul Ghani Mohamed has stressed today the urgent need for a strong Family Justice Act in the Maldives - one that is adapted to the changing times. 

Speaking at the Family Procedures Training Program held by the Judicial Administration, the Chief Justice highlighted the vital role of family in fostering societal stability and progress. He emphasized that a strong family justice system is essential to securing the wellbeing and success of society. 

Such a system would ensure that the rights of families are protected, including those of husbands and wives, children, parents, victims of domestic abuse, and various others. 

He acknowledged the significant challenges in realizing this goal, but pointed to three key issues that require urgent reform. 

He said that a Family Justice Act that addresses the changes in society is necessary. Enacted 25 years ago, the current Family Act is now outdated and ill-equipped to respond to the evolving and unpredictable changes of recent years, he said. 

"Some of these changes have greatly impacted the harmony in our families. Hence, a Family Justice Act which can keep up with these changes is imperative at this point," the Chief Justice said. 

The second key reform highlighted by the Chief Justice is to empower the judiciary to implement essential regulations under the current Family Act, until a new Family Justice Act is introduced. Ghani expressed concerns that when new regulations are currently deemed necessary, they often fall under the jurisdiction of other institutions, preventing the judiciary from enacting them. 

The third issue the Chief Justice addressed was that of space constraints. He noted that some cases demand courtrooms with specific conditions, lamenting the shortage of suitable space to accommodate them. 

Ghani assured that efforts are ongoing to improve working conditions, adding that at present, judges and judicial staff of the Family Court are working from two locations in the Male' area that fall short of adequate standards.