The legal battle concerning former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s alleged debt liability continues as the case ascends to the Supreme Court of Maldives. This follows a decision by the High Court to proceed with an appeal by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), challenging a lower court’s verdict that favoured Gayoom.
MTCC claims that the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), under Gayoom’s leadership, failed to settle a debt of MVR 1.1 million. The DRP was later dissolved by the Elections Commission due to insufficient membership, leaving its financial obligations unmet.
Initially, the Civil Court ruled that Gayoom could not be held responsible for DRP’s debts. However, MTCC appealed this decision. The High Court, despite procedural objections from Gayoom’s legal team, ruled that the appeal could proceed, giving Gayoom 20 days to respond to the allegations.
The High Court’s decision was primarily supported by Judges Fathimath Faruhiza and Hussain Mazeed, while Judge Dheebanaaz Fahmy opposed, suggesting that MTCC’s action was an attempt to harass Gayoom and recommended a compensation of MVR 75,000 be paid to him.
As the case moves to the Supreme Court, it awaits a definitive ruling on whether Gayoom is liable for the debts incurred by his former party. This decision could establish a legal precedent concerning the financial responsibilities of political party leaders for their organisations’ obligations.