Judicial Service Commission Moves to Amend Civil Procedure Act Amid System-Wide Delays

The Maldives Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has initiated amendments to the Civil Procedure Act to address the significant delays and challenges facing the country's civil justice system. Since the act’s ratification on December 16, 2021, civil cases have accumulated in the courts, impeding processes for banks, businesses, and the public alike. The Civil Procedure Act was introduced by the 19th Parliament, proposed under the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government.

In a statement, the JSC noted that the law, published in the Government Gazette six months post-ratification, has since led to unprecedented delays. As per JSC, the current legislation has complicated civil procedures to the extent that stakeholders in the financial and business sectors, as well as individual citizens, are experiencing critical setbacks. The statement highlighted that the only viable solution to alleviate these issues is through legal amendments, highlighting a need for immediate action.

Following deliberation during its 57th meeting on November 4, the JSC forwarded the proposed amendments to the Attorney General's Office for submission to Parliament. While specifics of the amendments remain undisclosed, legal experts have raised concerns regarding restrictive procedures within the existing act that inhibit civil case progression and complicate the enforcement of rulings.

This move aims to bring the Civil Procedure Act more in line with constitutional standards and international best practices, the JSC emphasized, to revitalize a system currently strained under procedural inefficiencies. The proposed reforms reflect efforts to enhance efficiency and ensure a responsive civil justice system that meets the needs of all stakeholders.