HRCM Urges Felidhoo Council to Revoke ‘Unconstitutional’ Decision

MV+ News Desk | November 7, 2023
Photo: Isles

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has directed the V. Felidhoo Council to retract its decision to withhold services from individuals and their families with outstanding payments to the council, citing the decision as “unconstitutional.”

Last Wednesday, the Felidhoo Council made a contentious decision to deny services to those with pending payments.

In a statement released yesterday, the HRCM emphasised that rights and freedoms, as guaranteed by the constitution, cannot be restricted in any manner.

The rights oversight body asserted that neither the Decentralisation Act nor any other legal framework empowers councils to withhold public services.

Expressing deep concern over the council’s decision, the HRCM mandated the council to rescind its directive and resolve the issue within the boundaries of the law.

The Felidhoo Council’s decision prompted concern from the Local Government Authority (LGA), which, on Sunday, highlighted that council decisions and regulations should not encroach upon the constitutional rights of any individual.

The authority underscored that individuals failing to clear outstanding payments should be penalised according to prior agreements. 

Moreover, it stressed that councils lack the authority to limit fundamental rights not covered under such agreements.

ރިއެކްޝަންސް
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
LATEST