Court jails man for failing to pay child support

The N. Landhoo Magistrate Court has sentenced a man to prison and publicly released his identity after finding that he failed to comply with a court order requiring the payment of child support.

According to the court, Ahmed Anwar of Happynight, K. Kaashidhoo, was sentenced to two months' imprisonment as an enforcement measure in the case.

The court also published his photograph and personal details in accordance with provisions contained in the Family Regulations.

Under the regulations, courts are authorised to publicly disclose the identities of individuals who fail to pay child support or spousal maintenance ordered by the court.

The regulations require fathers to pay MVR 2,000 per month in child support for one child.

Where there is more than one child, an additional MVR 1,000 per month must be paid for each additional child.

The public disclosure of child support defaulters began in January 2025 following the implementation of the relevant provisions under the Family Regulations.

Since then, courts have periodically released the names, photographs and personal details of individuals found to be in violation of child support and maintenance orders.

The court did not disclose further details regarding the amount of unpaid support or the duration of the non-compliance in this case.