High Court to decide whether to accept Nasheed’s appeal over DRP debt judgment

Former Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) leader Mohamed Nasheed (Colonel Nasheed) has appealed the Civil Court ruling that held him personally liable for debts incurred by the now‑dissolved party.

Civil Court Judge Azfa Abdul Gafoor had ordered Nasheed to pay MVR 4 million to former Kudahuvadhoo MP Ahmed Amir. The judgment stated that Nasheed was responsible for payments owed to two video production companies owned by Amir for services provided to DRP between 2007 and 2009, including filming, editing and equipment supply for party activities.

Nasheed was not the DRP leader during the period in which the services were provided. However, the court held him liable as the individual in charge of the party at the time of its dissolution.

The case was decided in absentia after Nasheed did not respond to court summons. The Civil Court ordered him to settle MVR 4.04 million within 14 days.

The DRP had previously accumulated an additional MVR 16.3 million in fines for non‑payment. The High Court had earlier ruled that the fines should be removed and only the service charges paid, a decision that later reached the Supreme Court. Before the matter concluded, the DRP was dissolved for failing to meet the requirements of a political party, leaving unresolved debts.

The appeal has now been submitted to the High Court, though it remains unclear whether the court will accept the case.