The Civil Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by former Haa Alifu Hoarafushi Council President Mohamed Waheed, who challenged his three-month suspension without salary and allowances.

Waheed filed the case seeking a review of a decision to suspend him and requesting the court to rule that the action was unlawful.

The suspension followed an investigation into eight cases arising from a complaint submitted to the Local Government Authority (LGA) regarding the Hoarafushi Council. The LGA held Waheed responsible in his capacity as Council President, saying he had primary responsibility for ensuring the council complied with relevant laws and regulations.

The prosecution filed their response to the claim. However, although Waheed was given the opportunity to submit a response, he did not do so.

After a preliminary hearing, the court scheduled the trial. Waheed failed to attend the hearing despite being sent the link to participate.

As a result, Civil Court Judge Faisal Adam dismissed the claim after finding that the Waheed had failed to appear in court without a valid reason.

LGA had suspended Waheed without salary and allowances for three months. It also decided to issue formal advice to the remaining councillors based on the seriousness of the findings.

Those advised by the LGA were council Vice President Ahmed Imdah and councillors Ibrahim Shakir, Mariyam Wakeela, Aminath Wisama, Aminath Nasiha and Ahmed Rauf.

All of the councillors, including Waheed, are members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Waheed and the former councillors did not contest the most recent local council elections.