Dismissed policeman Shiyam reinstated after court ruling

Inspector of Police Ahmed Shiyam has resumed duties with the Maldives Police Service following a High Court ruling ordering his reinstatement, 12 years after his dismissal from the force.

Shiyam was dismissed in 2014 after a decision by the Police Disciplinary Board. At the time, he was serving as Commander of the North Police Division and was accused of using his position to carry out actions that violated laws and regulations.

He challenged the dismissal in the Civil Court, which ruled that there were no grounds to order his reinstatement. Shiyam later appealed the decision at the High Court, which overturned the Civil Court judgment and ordered that he be returned to service.

Speaking to Dhauru on Wednesday, Shiyam said the reinstatement process was completed two weeks ago and that he had already begun administrative formalities. He said Wednesday marked his first day reporting to police headquarters in uniform.

“Serving in the police uniform has always been a source of pride for me. After all these years, and with the support of many people, I am able to return to duty,” Shiyam said.

The High Court ruling also directed the state to pay Shiyam salary and allowances accrued from the date of his dismissal until the date of the judgment.

However, the state has appealed that part of the ruling to the Supreme Court.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the High Court’s order on compensation is inconsistent with a recent Supreme Court judgment concerning employment disputes.

Under that Supreme Court ruling:

The Supreme Court is expected to determine whether the compensation awarded to Shiyam should stand.

Shiyam’s reinstatement brings to a close a legal dispute that has continued through the courts for more than a decade.