Department of Judicial Administration has filed a case against online news agency Channel News Maldives (CNM) regarding an article where they alleged the Supreme Court bench of being involved in bribery regarding the Dheebaja verdict.

The article dated 12th May 2019 alleged that the supreme court justices had taken bribes to reach a verdict in the case. DJA has lodged a complaint against said article at Maldives Police Service, Prosecutor General's Office and Maldives Media Council.

A statement released by the DJA noted that the article lacked any basis or facts for that matter and that it served no purpose besides defaming the Supreme Court and its justices. They added that the article was an attempt to obstruct justice and hinder the works of the court towards bringing the guilty to their deserved penalty.

Hence, they had requested the relevant departments of Maldives Police Service, PG Office and Maldives Media Council to carry out appropriate investigations and take any legal and administrative actions that were necessary.

The statement also stressed that several procedures and institutions have been established by the state to combat corruption and report any shortcomings of anyone in a position of power, be it a court justice. They highlighted that said institutions were capable of probing such issues in a manner which protected the rights of the state and the common man, and that every Maldivian had the right to submit a complaint with them if they suspect foul play in any aspect. While all of these are an available option, the statement read that it was not only irresponsible but a shameful act to not do that but to go on to fuel rumors and defame justices in the public eye - which, the statement also described as a crime.