A crowd of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) supporters had gathered at the green-zone area of Supreme Court on Sunday evening, urging the immediate resignation of Chief Justice.
The protest movement is mainly headed by various coordinators of government offices with no high-profile pro-government members or lawmakers making any appearance. In addition to a group of youths, the PPM's youth wing president participated in Sunday's protest along with employees in government owned corporations as well as few political appointees.
Police had reached the Supreme Court vicinity moments later the protest initiated and were able to push the mob back towards the road in front of top-court premises.
Government has refused to comply to top-court order to release nine political prisoners, including former President Mohamed Nasheed.
Supreme Court had annulled the anti-defection law reinstating the previously Election Commission claimed deposed lawmakers of 12 constituencies.
However attorney general Mohamed Anil flanked by high-level government officials on Thursday night, returned their comments claiming the order had 'questionable' elements and needs proper assessment before implementation.
Nearly 72 hours are to elapse since the court order was issued with complete inaction from the state. Earlier on Sunday, attorney general along with defense force chief Major General Ahmed Shiyam and Police chief Abdulla Nawaz openly defied top court order.
AG Anil claimed the government has received information that a Supreme Court order to arrest president Yameen was imminent.
However, AG labelled the move as "unconstitutional" and the police and the army would reject any order by the Supreme Court to have the president arrested.
Chief of defence force Major General Ahmed Shiyam said the army would only act in accordance with the laws and constitution, adding that it would follow the legal advice of the attorney general.
"The army would not stand by watch while the Maldives goes into a crisis. The army would not obey an unconstitutional order," Shiyam insisted.
Supreme Court vicinity is categorized a green-zone, which prohibits protestant movement and thus harsh penalization is subjected to individuals who protest on these sites.
