The Supreme Court has ordered Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM) to reinstate a former employee within 14 days after ruling that his dismissal was unlawful.

The case concerns Ahmed Jailam of Th. Vilufushi, who worked as a barge captain at FSM from 3 March 2003 until his dismissal on 15 April 2021 without notice.

Jailam challenged his dismissal before the Employment Tribunal, which ruled that FSM had acted unlawfully. The tribunal ordered the company to pay him MVR 51,000 in compensation, equivalent to six months of his basic salary and living allowance, but did not order his reinstatement.

After the High Court upheld the tribunal’s decision, Jailam appealed to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court has now overturned the earlier rulings and ordered FSM to reinstate Jailam in his former position or an equivalent role within 14 days. It also ordered the company to pay him six months’ basic salary.