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The Supreme Court Registrar has refused to accept a constitutional case challenging the government’s decision to grant 500 hectares of Rasmale' land to UAE-based Eagle Hills.
Mariyam Adheela
Male’: The Supreme Court Registrar has rejected a constitutional case filed by lawyer Ali Hussain seeking to stop the government from granting 500 hectares of land in Rasmale’ to UAE-based developer Eagle Hills.
The case argued that the government’s decision violates the Constitution and sought to suspend the agreement until the court reaches a decision.
The Registrar ruled that the matter was not one that could be filed directly with the Supreme Court at the first stage. Under Article 11 of the Courts Act, Ali Hussain has 14 days to ask the Supreme Court bench to review the Registrar’s decision.
In his petition, Ali Hussain argued that granting the land without acquisition costs or rent could violate Article 250 of the Constitution, which governs the disposal of state property.
He also questioned clauses in the agreement that could allow Eagle Hills to create lease rights for third parties, arguing that these provisions could affect the rights of others.
The lawyer sought an interim order to suspend the implementation of the agreement while the constitutional challenge is considered.
The government and Eagle Hills signed commercial terms for the Maldives Waterfront and Marina project in September. The proposed US$20 billion development is planned to include hotels, a marina and commercial facilities.
The case challenges the constitutional validity of the agreement, but the Registrar’s decision concerns whether the petition can be accepted directly by the Supreme Court at the initial stage.
