Defence ministry appeals ruling on pilot training info request
The appeal was filed with the High Court, but the court has not yet decided whether to proceed with the case, according to the High Court registry.
Defence ministry has appealed a decision by the Information Commission (IMCOM) that directed the ministry to disclose specific information about Maldivian pilots trained to operate military vehicles donated by India.
The appeal was filed with the High Court, but the court has not yet decided whether to proceed with the case, according to the High Court registry.
The dispute arose after journalist Nazim Hassan submitted a request for information under the Access to Information Act. IMCOM ruled on August 24 that the defence ministry must address the complaint and provide the requested details.
Nazim Hassan’s request sought clarity on the status and activities of the trained pilots, including:
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Whether the trained pilots have operated any of the donated military vehicles.
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Whether these pilots are still serving with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
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If any pilots have resigned from the MNDF, the dates of their resignations.
The ministry disclosed only that pilot training is ongoing but withheld further information. Citing Article 29 of the Access to Information Act, the ministry argued that releasing the requested data could pose a national security risk and is therefore exempt from disclosure.
Article 29 of the Access to Information Act allows government entities to withhold information if disclosure could threaten national security. However, the article makes exceptions for certain types of information, such as:
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Administrative and operational matters.
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Hiring and firing of employees.
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Tasks assigned under contract or tender arrangements.
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Information that does not pose any potential threat to national security.
IMCOM ruled that the details requested by the journalist fell under the above exceptions and did not justify confidentiality under Article 29.
This case echoes a prior controversy during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih regarding the presence of Indian military personnel in the Maldives. IMCOM initially upheld a decision to keep the number of Indian troops secret, citing security concerns.
However, the High Court later overturned that decision, ruling that the information did not meet the criteria for national security protection.
