Court holds transfer of former EC chief Zahid’s ‘Binveriya’ land

The Civil Court has issued an injunction suspending the transfer of ownership of land in Hullhumale’ that was awarded under the ‘Binveriya’ housing scheme to Mohamed Zahid, former head of the Elections Commission (EC), but was later taken from him.

The plot of land in question was registered to Zahid under an agreement signed between him and the Housing Ministry on July 4, 2023.

But three years later on July 3, the Housing Ministry sent a letter to Zahid notifying him of the termination of the agreement.

Zahid filed a lawsuit against the Housing Ministry over the decision.

In his lawsuit, Zahid said the Housing Ministry had cancelled the agreement claiming false information in his application form.

But at court, the state argued that it did not cite false information, but that Zahid failed to meet basic eligibility criteria due to facts related to his residency. The state argued that the plots were for people born and registered in Male’, making Zahid, who is originally from HA. Hathifushi and is registered to Male’ Dhafthar, ineligible.

Zahid argued his land registry shouldn’t have been terminated without a decision by a court of law.

The Civil Court issued an injunction as requested by him, suspending any decision that might create a third party claim over the plot of land, including its sale or handover, pending a final decision by the court.