Supreme Court on Thursday issued an interim order to not act on High Court's order to halt Gulhifalhu project.

The High Court pertains to the case filed with Civil Court by environmental activist Humaida Abdul Ghafoor seeking a halt to the Gulhifalhu project, citing irrevocable damage to the environment. In his appeal to Civil Court, Humaida said that the reclamation project includes 'Kiki Reef', a rich ecological system of underwater life that has been protected since 1995, which will be wiped out if the project continues as planned.

She further said that the Maldives was debt-ridden and facing a financial crisis, and the USD 300 million project would cause irreparable damage. She sought an interim injunction to halt the project.

However, Civil Court denied an injunction to halt the project, stating that the project is part of the government's Strategic Action Plan, which aims to address the current obstacles and constraints at Male' Port to boost the economy of the Maldives. The government will have to pay a large amount of compensation if the project is halted after a long time due to the completion of phase I and phase II, Civil Court said.

Humaida appealed the decision with the High Court.

High Court granted the injunction on Wednesday, ordering a halt to the project until the court makes a final ruling.

The high court's order was challenged by the state's Attorney General in the Supreme Court and a stay order was also sought.

In its interim order, the Supreme Court said it is clearly evident that if the execution of the judgment of the High Court is not halted at this time, it will result in immense loss to the state and all concerned shall not take any steps to implement the high court's judgment till the Supreme Court directs it to act in a particular manner or until the Supreme Court decides on the matter in the suit.