The Civil Court of the Maldives has mandated Parliamentarian Ismail Ahmed to settle a debt within 15 days.
Parliamentarian Ismail was found guilty for failing to reimburse a debt of USD56,000 to subcontractor Moosa Haleel, concerning a project initiated by one of his companies for the development of three classrooms in Kandoodhoo School, Thaa Atoll. Haleel's lawsuit filed in the Civil Court asserted Ismail's responsibility to pay USD78,000 for services rendered using his own resources. A partial payment of USD78,000 has been made, leaving USD56,000 outstanding, which the Civil Court has decreed Ismail must settle within the stipulated 15-day period.
Ismail failed to prepare a defense within the legally mandated timeframe and the ruling was issued in his absentia. Pursuant to Article 73 of the Constitution, individuals with established debts who fail to comply with court-ordered payments are disqualified from parliamentary membership.