The Supreme Court has ruled unanimously that People’s National Congress (PNC) MP Mohamed Sinan has lost his parliamentary seat representing North Hithadhoo after failing to repay a court-ordered debt.

The decision follows a case in which Sinan was found guilty of defaulting on a loan issued by the Hithadhoo Magistrate Court. Under Article 73(c) of the Constitution, members of the People’s Majlis are disqualified if they fail to settle outstanding debts.

The case was brought by Ghalib Saleem, who, along with Sinan and others, had been ordered to repay MVR 3.8 million to Maldives Islamic Bank. The court had given Sinan six months to fulfill the payment.

Presiding Judge Aisha Shujoon Mohamed stated that official documents confirmed Sinan had been properly notified of the ruling. The court rejected his defense that he was unaware of the sentence, noting he neither appealed nor attempted to overturn the decision.

The bench also highlighted the absence of Sinan’s legal counsel after the defense submission deadline. All judges agreed that his failure to comply with the repayment order resulted in the automatic loss of his parliamentary seat.