Criminal Court to conduct proceedings at any govt location

Criminal Court on Sunday announced that it will conduct proceedings at locations designated by the government until a permanent building with adequate space is secured.

The statement follows discussions at the Bandhu Forum, organised by the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO), on Saturday to address concerns regarding individuals remanded in custody for extended periods.

Home Minister Ali Ihsan stated that space constraints alone were not the primary reason for delays in judicial proceedings. He suggested that trials could also be conducted in magistrate courts and schools in rural areas.

“There are a total of 15 cases filed in the islands, and these cases involve minor offences. Expanding the space in the Criminal Court may not be the only solution,” the minister said.

The minister added that the government could allocate properties to the Criminal Court, and any jurisdictional concerns could be addressed through legislative measures by parliament.

In response, the Criminal Court stated, “The court will conduct trials at locations designated by the relevant authorities.”

The PGO noted that discussions with enforcement agencies were ongoing and that findings from these consultations would be shared with the judiciary. A separate meeting with the judiciary is planned.

The Criminal Court is currently operating in sections of the former STO building, with most of the facility closed due to its deteriorating condition. Only one floor remains in use. The Civil Court previously operated in the same location, but the building has not been formally reassigned to the Criminal Court.