The High Court has overturned a Magistrate Court's decision and ordered the re-arrest of a teacher accused of grooming students in a central Maldivian island.

The case was registered on October 17 against a male teacher employed at a school in the South Central Police jurisdiction. The allegations included inappropriate remarks to students’, leading to his arrest. On December 17, a magistrate's court granted the teacher conditional bail, but the state challenged this decision, citing procedural violations and public safety concerns.

The state filed two appeals in the High Court, arguing that the teacher's release on bail posed a continued risk of influencing witnesses and endangering society. It was contended that the magistrate’s decision contradicted established legal procedures and the provisions of the Children's Rights Protection Act

The teacher's defence claimed that the release under house arrest was justified and that there had been no attempts to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence during this period.

Justice Mohamed Niyaz, leading a three-judge bench, ruled in favour of the state. The court determined that the accused posed a potential threat to society and could tamper with evidence or influence witnesses. The judgment underscored the importance of safeguarding public safety as outlined in the Act, even if there is no immediate evidence of wrongdoing post-release.

The High Court declared the magistrate’s order null and void, remanding the accused to judicial custody for seven days. Justices Hassan Shafiu and Mohamed Faisal concurred with the decision.