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Legal expert and former Kendhoo MP Ali Hussain during a parliament session held previously - Photo: Majlis

MALE : Legal expert and former Kendhoo MP Ali Hussain filed a constitutional petition with the Supreme Court challenging the government’s decision to hand over 500 hectares of reclaimed land in Ras Malé to UAE-based Eagle Hills for 99 years.

In a public statement, Ali Hussain questioned the legal validity of the Commercial Terms Agreement signed between the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure and Eagle Hills. He stated that the state turned over full ownership interest and sub-leasing rights to the developer for 99 years without requiring acquisition costs or land rent, while refusing to disclose full details of the contract.

He emphasized that Article 250 of the Constitution mandates all transfers, sales, or leases of state assets to be executed strictly according to law. The petition highlights that the Maldives lacks a legal framework permitting the one-time, 99-year lease of state land to foreign entities without explicit statutory authorization, making the agreement unconstitutional.

The petition asks the Supreme Court to declare the agreement void under Articles 250 and 251 of the Constitution. Ali Hussain also requested a temporary injunction to suspend implementation of the agreement and prevent third-party rights from being created on the land until the court issues a final verdict.

The government recently signed the commercial agreement for a projected USD 20 billion investment to construct luxury residences, resorts, a marina, and wellness centers across several phases. However, political leaders and legal figures continue to express severe concern, characterizing the deal as an illegal sale of state property and demanding full public disclosure of the terms.