President Muizzu Inaugurates New Criminal and Drug Courts in Hulhumalé
The newly relocated Criminal Court and Drug Court at the Justice Building Annex in Hulhumalé on July 27, 2025 | Photo: President’s Office
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu officially inaugurated the newly relocated Criminal Court and Drug Court at the Justice Building Annex in Hulhumalé yesterday.
The relocation is part of a broader initiative to address longstanding space constraints and operational delays that have hindered judicial proceedings in Malé, where both courts were previously based. The lack of adequate courtroom space has contributed to frequent hearing postponements and delays in delivering verdicts.
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To mitigate these challenges while the Superior Court Complex is being prepared in Hulhumalé, the Justice Building Annex has been developed as a temporary but purpose-built facility. The new premises now house ten courtrooms for the Criminal Court and five for the Drug Court, along with 17 rooms for judges, and dedicated areas for defence lawyers and public prosecutors.
President Dr @MMuizzu inaugurates the Justice Building Annex in Hulhumalé, where the Criminal Court and Drug Court have been relocated. The expanded facility is expected to enhance the efficiency of judicial proceedings. At the ceremony, the President was presented with a… pic.twitter.com/AO2gMNhCqp— The President's Office (@presidencymv) July 27, 2025
Developed under a project overseen by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), the building offers improved infrastructure, modern amenities, and spacious courtrooms to support the timely and effective administration of justice.
In his address at the inauguration, President Muizzu reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to judicial reform. He reiterated his earlier pledge, made during his Presidential Address, that construction of the Superior Court Complex will begin this year. He also confirmed that all necessary arrangements would be completed to ensure the full functionality of both courts in their new location by August 2025.
The President expressed hope that the improved facilities would enable the courts to address cases that have remained unreported and expedite justice for individuals in prolonged pre-trial detention. He described the initiative as a key step towards finding a long-term solution to the inefficiencies within the justice system.
During the ceremony, a commemorative plaque was presented to President Muizzu in recognition of his support for strengthening the judiciary. The national flag and judicial flag were also formally hoisted at the Justice Building Annex. The event was attended by senior government officials and members of the judiciary.
