Landhoo court publicizes photo, jails man for failing to pay child support

A man has been sentenced to jail by the N. Landhoo Magistrate Court, which also publicized his personal details for failing to pay child support.

Ahmed Anwar, Happynight/K. Kaashidhoo, was sentenced to two months in jail as an enforcement measure for non-payment of child support, according to a notice issued by the court.

It is noteworthy that the practice of publishing photos of people who fail to spend on their children was first initiated by the Lh. Hinnavaru Court. Since then, several other courts have followed suit by publicising photos of individuals who do not pay child support.

The Landhoo court said the photograph was released under Article 55 of the Family Code. The article also allows the court to seize passports, check bank accounts, freeze accounts, take over rented property, and publicly disclose information of those who fail to pay child support.

Maldives has one of the highest divorce rates in the world. Child support remains a long-standing but unresolved issue, contributing to increased state spending on single parents and placing an additional burden on public finances.