Nasheed had taken refuge at the High Commission after the Hulhumale Magistrate Court had ordered the Police to produce the ex-President in court to face trial over the unconstitutional arrest and subsequent detention of Chief Judge of the Criminal Court Abdulla Mohamed during his tenure as President. In a statement the Indian government confirmed that Nasheed had sought India's assistance and was in touch with the relevant Maldivian authorities to resolve the issue. India further expressed concern over the ongoing political instability in Maldives and called upon the Maldives government and all political parties to adhere strictly to democratic principles and the rule of law, thereby paving the way for free, fair, credible and inclusive elections. “Now that the President of the Election Commission of Maldives has announced that Presidential elections would be held on 7 September 2013, it is necessary that the Presidential nominees of recognized political parties be free to participate in the elections without any hindrance.” The statement also said the prevention of participation by political leaders in the contest would call into question the integrity of the electoral process, thereby perpetuating the current political instability in Maldives. “India would call upon the Government and all political parties in Maldives to avoid any actions that would vitiate the political atmosphere in the Maldives.” However, a statement released by the Maldives Foreign Ministry insisted that Nasheed's trial is being conducted by two independent institutions and the government had no say in the matter. "Similar to other democracies around the world, the Maldives government will not impede the justice system and will ensure the impartiality of the judiciary," statement said. Foreign Ministry further expressed disappointment over India's statement in relation to the candidates contesting in the presidential election and highlighted that the Maldives Elections Commission is yet to announce the candidates for the race. "Elections Commission has the capacity to declare the eligibility of candidates running the election and has the ability to execute all responsibilities related to it.” Any other perception could undermine the authority of such independent institutions and stymie the progress made by the Maldives' democracy, the Ministry said. Meanwhile, the Hulhumale Court cancelled Wednesday’s hearing on Nasheed’s trial after Nasheed sought refuge at the High Commission and did not turn up for the hearing. Police had earlier informed that Hulhumale Court that it is unable to implement the order issued to produce Nasheed in court as the ex-President was inside the mission. As the Indian High Commission is a designated diplomatic area, he cannot be arrested till the time he remains inside the premises. The Ministry confirmed that the Maldives government will uphold and respect its obligations under international law with regard to diplomatic immunities and privileges granted to resident diplomatic missions. “The government is confident that all parties concerned, including the High Commission of India, will respect the laws of the Maldives and judicial independence as prescribed in the constitution,” Foreign Ministry added. Nasheed issued a statement from inside the Indian High Commission saying that his current trial for abuse of power when he was in office was a "politically motivated sham" and demanded his successor President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik to step down. The new crisis comes amid more political turmoil in the Maldives a little over a year after Nasheed controversially resigned in the wake of opposition protests and a police mutiny. Since stepping down however, Nasheed has maintained that he was ousted in a coup backed by his successor and the then Vice President Dr Waheed. However, an internationally backed probe concluded that the transfer of power was constitutional and Nasheed had resigned on his own free will.