Court authorizes President Yameen to take over PPM

Civil Court has issued a ruling, authorizing President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom to take control of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

Civil Court judge, Judge Mohamed Haleem issued the ruling during the first hearing in a lawsuit filed by two members of PPM – Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid and Naifaru MP Ahmed Shiyam, held this Sunday morning.

Judge Haleem issued the ruling after a 20-minute debate by lawyers from both sides.

PPM’s lawyer, Umar Zahir asked for more time to compile a written response to the lawsuit, which was denied by Judge Haleem who said that enough time had been provided.

He made the ruling after a 15-minute recess.

Judge Haleem ordered Yameen to take control over PPM, and ordered for an emergency

council meeting to be held within the next 24 hours.

The court also rendered the advisory committee set up by Maumoon for his reform agenda null, ruling that it violated the constitution of the party.

The court said that given the current situation of the ruling party, it practically had no leader.

Civil Court granted Yameen – the advisor of PPM – will full control over the party, and asked that he ensure PPM was run in accordance with its constitution and rules and regulation.

15 minutes were provided for lawyers from both sides to make their case, and five minutes each for their closing statements.

Judge Haleem said that Civil Court was working on accelerating the case as part of its policy to fast track long-dragging cases.

Lawyer Umar Zahir complained that PPM had not received sufficient time to prepare for the case; which Judge Haleem rejected, saying that PPM had failed to present themselves to court in spite of the five summons sent by the court, which went unanswered.

Judge Haleem said that Umar Zahir had worked as a lawyer for PPM since 2013, and accused PPM’s lawyers of deliberately ignoring the summons in an effort to obstruct court proceedings.

Maumoon will be appealing the ruling with the High Court.