The Family Court has begun publicly naming individuals who fail to pay court-ordered child support.

On Wednesday, the court published the name, photograph, permanent address, and national ID number of a man who has not been paying child support as required. The announcement was made via the court’s official social media channels.

According to a statement from the Family Court, the disclosure followed a review of the relevant documentation and statements presented in the case. The court said the move was made in accordance with the Family Regulation, which grants judges discretionary power to release such information when deemed necessary.

Under the current regulation, fathers are legally obligated to pay MVR 2,000 per month for the support of one child and an additional MVR 1,000 for each subsequent child.

The Family Court emphasised that Wednesday’s case marks the start of enforcement action against individuals who fail to pay child support. Magistrate courts in other parts of the country have also begun naming defaulters since January under similar provisions of the law.

Failure to provide financial support for children remains a persistent issue in the Maldives. Judicial authorities say stricter enforcement and public accountability are necessary to address the growing number of such cases.