MCS appeals court ruling ordering reinstatement of Asif

The Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) has appealed a Civil Court ruling that found the dismissal of Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Mohamed Asif to be unlawful and ordered his reinstatement.

The appeal was filed at the High Court on Wednesday, following a Civil Court judgment issued on 10 June that directed MCS to reinstate Asif and pay his salary and benefits for the period he remained out of service.

According to the High Court registry, a decision has not yet been made on whether the appeal will be accepted for review.

Asif, who also served as President of the Prisons Club, was suspended on 7 November 2024 after allegations emerged that more than MVR 200,000 had been transferred from the club's account to various other accounts.

He remained on paid suspension for approximately eight months before being dismissed on 17 July 2025.

At the time of his dismissal, MCS said the decision followed a review of the matter and concluded that termination of employment was warranted.

The allegations against Asif prompted 35 prison officers to submit a petition to Commissioner of Prisons Hassan Zareer in August last year. In response, Zareer stated that the matter was under investigation.

Reports at the time indicated that Asif deposited MVR 70,000 back into the Prisons Club account through two separate transactions after the issue came to light.

The case attracted attention among prison officers, with some employees expressing concern over delays in concluding the investigation and alleging attempts to hinder the inquiry.

The High Court will now determine whether to proceed with the appeal challenging the Civil Court's decision.