High Court Dismisses State Appeal Against Reinstated Senior Police Officers

The High Court has thrown out the State’s appeal challenging a Civil Court ruling that declared the dismissal of five senior police officers unlawful. In its ruling, the court stated that the State was misusing the judicial process, leading to the dismissal of the case by a majority of the High Court bench.

The case had remained inactive in the High Court for nearly two years. Although an interim order was issued earlier to pause enforcement of the Civil Court’s ruling, the appeal has now been cancelled, with the court criticizing the State’s handling of the case.

Closed-Door Hearings and Concerns Over Transparency

Court hearings were held behind closed doors, citing concerns related to national security. However, in the final decision, the court remarked that allowing cases to stall in such a manner undermines public trust in the judicial system. It also warned that actions like this weaken confidence in the appeals process and risk eroding the credibility of legal institutions.

A Controversial Dismissal

The dispute dates back to 2021, when the Police Board, under the administration of then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, proposed the dismissal of seven senior officers. Notices of dismissal were served to Assistant Commissioners Mohamed Jamsheed and Ahmed Mohamed, based on an internal investigation conducted by the board. The dismissal letters were signed by then-Minister of Home Affairs, Imran Abdulla.

The Police Board also recommended the termination of Deputy Commissioner Farhad Fikry, Chief Superintendent Abdulla Shareef, Chief Superintendent Ahmed Shuhad, Superintendent Mohamed Daud, and Superintendent Ismail Shameem. The Civil Court later ruled that the dismissal process had violated legal procedures, prompting the State to appeal.

Change in Board, Change in Direction

In 2023, with the introduction of a new Police Service Act and changes in leadership, a reconstituted Police Board requested the Attorney General’s Office to drop the appeal. However, the AG Office did not act on the request, leaving the case in legal limbo until now.

Despite the new board’s stance, the appeal was never formally withdrawn, and the case remained pending until the High Court finally intervened. The judges noted that keeping such cases open without resolution does not serve the public interest and criticized the lack of clarity and follow-through by the State.

A Step Forward for Judicial Accountability?

While the case may now be closed, questions remain about how legal decisions involving high-ranking officials are handled. The court’s remarks suggest growing concern over how the appeals system is being used, and whether it is being applied fairly and efficiently.

The outcome also signals a shift in how judicial institutions are responding to prolonged delays and potential political interference in sensitive cases. As judicial transparency and institutional trust continue to be debated in the Maldives, this ruling is likely to remain in public focus.