New Delhi
31 August 2006
After lending a helping hand to Sri Lanka by offering a devolution
formula based on the Indian model of federalism, New Delhi is now working with
Maldives for putting in place a judicial system as part of the constitutional reform
currently under way in the Indian Ocean island republic.
A Maldivian delegation led by Chief Justice Sheikh Mohamed Rasheed Ibrahim on
Thursday called on Union Minister of Law HR Bhardwaj to seek technical assistance in
arbitration and training of judges. The delegation included two appellate judges and an
official of the rank of assistant executive director.
"The chief justice briefed the law minister on the ongoing constitutional reform in
Maldives. They discussed the setting up of Supreme Court in Maldives and incorporation
of modern elements of law in the penal code," a Maldivian official told this newspaper.
Maldives today only has a high court.
The official said the talks with Mr Bhardwaj were "cordial" and "very fruitful". India has
pledged to extend all possible help to strengthen the legal system in Maldives, the
official observed. On the occasion, an invitation was extended to Mr Bhardwaj to visit the
island republic at a mutually convenient date.
The process of constitutional reform and revision of the Constitution in Maldives is
expected to be completed by November 7 next year. Elections are likely to take place in
December 2007. The official added that the constitutional referendum scheduled for
September 16 this year was "likely to be postponed".
The Maldivian delegation led by Chief Justice Sheikh Mohamed Rasheed Ibrahim
concluded its four-day visit to India on Thursday. Earlier this week, the delegation met
with Chief Justice of India YK Sabharwal, observed the Supreme Court proceedings and
visited the Supreme Court Archive and Library.
The delegation also travelled to Aligarh and Bhopal. In Aligarh, the Maldivian chief
justice met with Aligarh Muslim University Vice Chancellor and delivered a lecture on his
country's judicial reform. In Bhopal, the delegation visited the National Judicial Academy
and interacted with the staff.
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