A case has been filed to High Court, requesting for the annulment of the President’s authority to commute the death penalty.
The case was submitted by five individuals - Abdul Maniu Hussain of Anbareege, Ha. Ihavandhoo; Hussain Shaheed of Baazeege, S. Hithadhoo; Abdullah Shiyaz of Naseema Manzil, Lh. Naifaru; Abdullah Naseer Mohamed of Boalhadhanduge, Gdh. Gaddhoo; and Hassan Waheed of Rankokaa, Hdh. Kurinbee.
The case details that in Islamic Sharia, only the heirs of the victim can pardon murderers after they are sentenced to death, thus neither the President nor any other government body has the authority to grant clemency for such criminals.
It also states that the President can take over the heirs’ responsibilities only in the case that the victim does not leave behind any heirs, and that the President making changes to the heirs’ wishes would be to deprive the heirs of their rights.
High Court has accepted the case, through a letter signed by the Assistant Registrar of High Court sent to the claimants.