Maldives Police Service has been removed from Home Ministry's oversight.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's decision was conveyed to Home Minister Imran Abdulla via a letter signed by President Offices' Chief of Staff Ali Zahir. The letter was sent to the minister last Tuesday.
As per the letter, Maldives Police Service was removed from the Home Ministry's oversight under the Police Service Act which came into effect on March 27 this year. The Act does not state that the Police Service must be overseen by any ministry.
However, article 68)a) of the Police Act states that the Minister will be answerable to both the President and the Parliament regarding the Police Service. It also states that the minister is the highest-ranking official that will be responsible for Maldives Police Service.
Article 242 of the Maldives' Constitution also states that each security service shall be under the responsibility of a Minister, who shall be answerable for its operations to the President and the Parliament.
