A plot in Male' has been allocated specifically for the Supreme Court, which has been operating at former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom's official presidential residence.
As the Supreme Court has experienced space constraints for several years, there have been efforts in the past to construct a separate building for the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is currently operating out of Theemuge, the former presidential palace.
During the ceremony to celebrate the Supreme Court's 18th anniversary, Chief Justice Abdul Ghanee Mohamed stated the biggest issue the Supreme Court is facing, as are other courts, is the lack of space.
"We believe the current government has a priority in solving this issue and have many works in place," said the Chief Justice.
Ghanee said there is hope the Supreme Court will get a free and independent form of accommodation.
According to the Chief Justice, the government has made arrangements for a plot at one of Male's prime locations, for the construction of the building the Supreme Court will operate out of to begin this month, with the Chief Justice expressing gratitude to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
He did not mention which plot it exactly is, and the government has not released any of the relevant information as of yet.
"This plot symbolizes our vision for the future of the Supreme Court. We believe the Supreme Court should be an appropriate place in regards to its legal role," said Ghanee.
He went on to say that the hope is practical effort on the construction of the new Supreme Court building begins and a fast solution is brought to accommodation issues.
The Supreme Court initially operated out of Muleeaage and is currently located at Theemuge. Both places are not designed for a Supreme Court to operate out of.
Previously, the plot where Naadhee was located was allocated for the construction of a new Supreme Court building. However, the project had not progressed, resulting in the plot being awarded to Indian company TATA for a housing project.
While the Supreme Court and other courts are also experiencing a lack of space, MTCC is currently working on building a court complex in Hulhumale' which is designed to accommodate the High Court and Male's superior courts.
Additionally, the current government has allocated a building in Hulhumale' for the Criminal Court and the Drug Court to operate out of temporarily.
