New building of Angolhitheemu Magistrate Court inaugurated

The new building of R. Angolhitheemu Magistrate Court was inaugurated during a special ceremony on Sunday.

The ceremony was officiated by Chief Justice of the Maldives, Ahmed Muthasim Adnan. Supreme Court Justice Dr. Azmiralda Zahir and Chief Judicial Administrator Aishath Rizna also attended the ceremony.

Speaking during the ceremony, Chief Justice Muthasim underscored the importance of facilitating easements for the public in the provision of services by courts. He also emphasized the importance of fulfillment of all due process with respect to cases involving minors. On this note, he advised to exercising options that do not require the children to appear before the court in prosecuting them.

Rizna, who also spoke at the ceremony, thanked Angolhitheemu Council and the contractor for their support and effort to complete the new magistrate court building by the targeted date. Noting nonstop efforts by the staff of  Angolhitheemu Magistrate Court and the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) – she also expressed gratitude to them.

Rizna said that the inauguration of the new magistrate court building will improve the quality of services provided to the public and speed up efforts to provide easy access to justice.

The new building of Angolhitheemu Magistrate Court inaugurated today was a project initiated in October 2021, overseen by Angolhitheemu Council. Physical works on the project commenced in this year’s March, with the work reaching full completion within eight months.

Angolhitheemu Magistrate Court was previously run at a two-room building. DJA cited extreme difficulties in hearing cases, carrying out administrative work and other integral work in the operations of the court due to space constraints.

DJA said the new building inaugurated today was designed to include a separate courtroom and separate work quarters for magistrates and staff which would ease the provision of services to the public.

In his ongoing trip to Raa Atoll, Chief Justice Muthasim hoisted the judiciary’s flag on the flag pole newly placed at Vaadhoo Magistrate Court for the first time. He also met with the staff of Vaadhoo Magistrate Court, Rasgetheemu Magistrate Court and Angolhitheemu Magistrate Court.

During these meetings, he inquired the staff regarding the difficulties they face in discharging their duties.

Chief Justice Muthasim is also scheduled to meet Ungoofaaru Magistrate Court staff.