The public has been invited to submit comments on proposed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act, which seek to revise rules governing the disclosure of evidence in criminal cases.

The bill, submitted by PNC MP Mohamed Mamdhooh of Funadhoo constituency, was referred to the Parliament’s Judiciary Committee for further review on Monday.

The proposed amendments aim to expand provisions for confidential evidence and strengthen protections for sensitive information. They also clarify the powers of the State and parties to a case to seek court orders restricting, limiting or delaying the disclosure of evidence.

The bill proposes additional grounds for keeping State evidence confidential, including circumstances where disclosure could obstruct investigations or result in evidence being concealed, destroyed or lost.

The committee has set 30 November as the deadline for public submissions. Comments must be sent by email or submitted in writing to the Parliament Secretariat by 2pm on that date.