Court denies request for injunction on termination of Maadhiggaru, Kanuhura agreements

The Civil Court has denied the request for an order to delay the implementation of the government’s decision to terminate the agreements for Kaafu Maadhiggaru and Kaafu Kanuhura lagoons.

Maadhiggaru and Kanuhura lagoons have been leased to Villa Holiday, a subsidiary of Villa Group, owned by Leader of Jumhooree Party (JP) Gasim Ibrahim.

Civil Court said in the ruling issued today, that the financial damage suffered by Villa Group as a result of the termination, is not irrecoverable.

The court further said that granting Villa Group’s request for an injunction at this stage of the trial would affect the charges, and thus declined the request.

Maadhiggaru and Kanuhura lagoons were leased to Villa Group after the Supreme Court ordered the government to pay MVR 9.2 million to the company, in relation to an agreement regarding land in Haa Dhaalu Hanimaadhoo. The government was unable to make the payment and instead leased the lagoons to Villa Group.

In addition to this, the government has also pardoned part of the tax owed by Villa Group.