Budget delivers on judicial independence: MVR 808M

As pledged by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the state budget has allocated MVR 807.9 million to support judicial independence through a dedicated block grant, marking a major shift in how the judiciary is funded.

The initiative was first announced on September 11, when President Muizzu emphasized that financial independence is essential to safeguarding judicial independence. He stated that the Cabinet had approved reforms to grant the judiciary full financial and administrative autonomy starting next year.

Under the new framework, a fixed percentage of state revenue will be allocated to the judiciary as a block grant, governed by a specific rule. The funds will be disbursed through a system that allows the judiciary to exercise full control over its financial decisions.

Finance Minister Moosa Zameer, presenting the MVR 64 billion budget to Parliament, confirmed that the judiciary’s allocation is MVR 250 million higher than its current expenditure. He noted that this increase reflects the administration’s commitment to reform and transparency.

The Supreme Court welcomed the President's announcement, calling it a historic move that would resolve longstanding financial challenges and accelerate the delivery of justice. In a public statement, the court said the grant would “facilitate the resolution of many financial problems facing the judiciary and accelerate the work of establishing justice”.

President Muizzu, who campaigned on a promise to end political interference in the judiciary, reiterated during his inauguration that his influence over the courts had ceased “as of right this moment”. However, recent controversies, including the dismissal of three Supreme Court judges, have sparked debate over the government’s role in judicial affairs.