High Court orders action against policeman for perjury

The High Court has mandated disciplinary action against a police officer who claimed to not have taken his oath, following a ruling that he lied in court.

The case involves Mohamed Sajid, a resident of Thinadhoo and a former special constable, who was arrested on July 11 under a court order for alleged drug possession during a search for e-cigarettes. Sajid has since been suspended from duty.

Authorities reportedly seized a significant quantity of tobacco, nanosticks, vapes, vape cartridges, and 191.92 grams of suspected illicit drugs from Sajid's residence and motorcycle. However, the Thinadhoo Magistrate's Court initially invalidated the court order and ordered his release.

The prosecution subsequently appealed the Magistrate Court's decision to the High Court. During a hearing last Thursday, Sajid's legal counsel stated that his client had not taken the oath of office.

In a pivotal decision on Wednesday, the High Court overturned the Thinadhoo court's ruling and ordered Sajid's remand if he is presented before the court again. The High Court's judgment emphasized the need to enhance state policies and procedures to uphold public trust, particularly concerning the legal implications of signing and adhering to the oath of office, based on arguments presented during the trial regarding the swearing-in process.

The unanimous verdict from the three-judge bench stated, "At the trial, he spoke as if he did not think there was anything wrong with taking monetary remuneration for a post without taking an oath. This is not what should happen to oaths sworn with the name of the Lord, or the way anyone should speak regarding such an oath. The allegations made by the prosecution in relation to Sections 512 and 533 of the penal code is given brevity as it is found that he had signed the oath affidavit."

In addition to the High Court's directive for action against the officer, former Attorney General and lawyer Aishath Azima Shakoor has also called for the policeman to be charged with fraud and perjury.