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Following the Employment Tribunal finding that sexual harassment allegations against Feridhoo Council President Ismail Shah is proven, the Local Government Authority (LGA) has suspended him for three months.
On September 21, 2025, the Tribunal ruled that it is proven under civil standards that Shah sexually harassed an administrative staff working at the council offices.
The LGA then conducted an inquiry, and granted Shah seven days within which to respond. With the seven days now having concluded, the LGA published today the findings of the inquiry.
In a statement issued today, LGA said that as sexual harassment charges have been proven against Shah, it is determined that he has acted in violation of the legal responsibilities of a council president.
Moreover, his conduct violates provisions of the Decentralization Act, which require integrity, sincerity, and loyalty in carrying out duties, and call for upholding the council's standing and respect, the LGA said.
Some findings of the inquiry
- Stopping, halting or attempting to bring to a halt council work, any actions that may obstruct such work, any actions that are against the interests of the council, any actions that may adversely affect the unity amongst council staff - all these are listed, with the inquiry stating that there is sufficient reason to state that Feridhoo Council President's actions were against all these legal provisions.
- In Shah's response to the inquiry in the given 7-day window, he alleged that the Employment Tribunal's ruling was against the Evidence Act and the Employment Act. However, he did not appeal the Tribunal's ruling.
The Employment Tribunal's ruling states that based on documents submitted by the Assistant Council Officer who lodged the case and by Shah, their statements, and witness statements, it is proven under civil standards that Shah committed sexual harassment. The tribunal ordered Shah to not repeat any acts of sexual harassment against the Assistant Council Officer.
The LGA's Board decided in a meeting today to suspend Shah for three months without pay.
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