The Civil Court has upheld an interim order preventing Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) from taking action to vacate and take over two apartment buildings in Hulhumalé Phase II or entering into transactions that could create third-party rights over the properties.

The order relates to a dispute between MPL and Singapore-registered W&A Overseas over two apartment buildings developed under an agreement to construct 14-storey social housing units on two plots in Hulhumalé Phase II.

W&A Overseas told the court that more than 99 per cent of the construction had been completed and that MPL had instructed the company on 31 October 2024 to hand over the buildings within seven days.

The company subsequently sought an interim order from the Civil Court. The court issued the order on 14 November 2024.

MPL later sought a review of the order, arguing that material facts had not been disclosed and that the order imposed an undue burden on the company and third parties.

In its latest decision, the Civil Court ruled that there were no grounds to review the interim order and upheld it.