The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has started final preparations for the opening of the Criminal Court and Drug Court building in Hulhumalé.

The official opening is scheduled for July 26, in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the Maldives’ independence.

Situated near Treetop Hospital, the four-storey structure was originally constructed as a COVID-19 hospital. At present, the Criminal Court functions out of the old STO building in the Malé fish market area. Prior to its relocation in 2015, the court had been housed in the Justice Building.

Over the years, the current premises have faced serious structural deterioration, with incidents of partial collapse, wall erosion, and water leaking through the ceilings. These issues have, on multiple occasions, resulted in the cancellation of court proceedings.

 The new building in Hulhumalé is expected to provide a more stable and functional environment for judicial operations. Once the new complex is opened, the Criminal Court and Drug Court offices in Malé will be closed, and all associated services will be relocated to the upgraded premises.

The decision to develop the new complex gained momentum following rising public concern over the state of the existing building.

The decision for this initiative was announced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during the Republic Day on November 11, 2024.