Civil Court Denies Interim Order for AFCONS’s Fine
Photo: President’s Office
The Civil Court has determined that an interim order cannot be granted to defer the MVR 69.4 million fine imposed on AFCONS, the Thilamala Bridge construction company, for the damage caused to the Villimale’ reef during the construction of the bridge platform.
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has affirmed its decision to levy a fine of MVR 69.4 million on AFCONS for the environmental damage resulting from the capsising of an AFCONS platform during the Thilamale Bridge construction. The government has mandated the state to settle the specified amount within a 15-day timeframe.
AFCONS, in response, approached the civil court seeking an interim order to suspend the fine payment until the company could file a lawsuit. However, the Civil Court has ruled that immediate action is not warranted in this matter. The decision highlighted that failure to pay the fine would lead to the cancellation of the agreement, adversely affecting the financial standing of the company.
The court emphasised that AFCONS did not provide sufficient grounds justifying the need for an interim order prior to initiating a legal challenge. Consequently, the court concluded that an interim order to delay the fine could not be granted.
Notably, AFCONS has lodged an appeal with the minister contesting last year’s fine, and a decision on the matter was reached earlier this month.