MPL ordered to pay MVR 160 mn to Center Enterprises

Civil Court has ordered Maldives Ports Limited to pay total MVR 160 million in idle time charge to Center Enterprises Private Limited over two separate lawsuits filed over termination of contract to build a tugboat for MPL.

Center Enterprises was contracted to build the tugboat in 2008, but the projected was terminated as per order of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Subsequent to the termination, Center Enterprises sent an invoice to MPL for MVR 13 million in idle time charge, with a 1.6 percent fine per day if the amount isn’t settled within seven days.

Center Enterprises filed the first lawsuit requesting the court order MPL to pay MVR 21 million – which is inclusive of GST and fines.

Civil Court ruled on Monday, December 26 that documents submitted to court proved MPL owed the money to Center Enterprises.

The court ordered that MPL pay the money within six months.

Center Enterprises filed its second lawsuit for MVR 138 million.

Civil Court ruled that documents submitted to court proved MPL owed the MVR 138 million to Center Enterprises as well.

MPL was ordered to pay the money within six months.

MPL is therefore required to pay a total of MVR 160 million to Center Enterprises, and has 12 months to settle the payment.