Chief Judicial Administrator Amjad Musthafa has stated that the digitisation of judicial documents and records will accelerate court processes and help create additional space within court facilities.

He made the remarks during the inauguration of the new Criminal Court and Drug Court building at the Justice Building Annex in Hulhumalé.

Amjad explained that the previous building housing these courts was very old and that both staff and court proceedings faced significant challenges as a result. He noted that the newly allocated facility would make operations more efficient and less burdensome for court personnel.

The Chief Judicial Administrator also highlighted that space constraints were not limited to the Criminal Court and Drug Court. Superior courts in the capital, high-level courts and magistrate courts in the islands were also facing similar issues. He pointed out that the Government has taken several steps to address this problem.

He noted that ten magistrate courts are currently operating from rented houses, while fifty-three magistrate courts are functioning inside civic body buildings.

Amjad stressed the importance of digitising judicial and administrative documents, as well as crime and debt records, to improve efficiency. He said that such measures would free up physical space and simplify services for the public.

He further stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has prioritised resolving the shortage of space in the courts, and the allocation of land for the Supreme Court and a new court complex demonstrates the Administration’s commitment to the judiciary.

The new facility at the Justice Building Annex includes fifteen courtrooms, seventeen judge rooms and a dedicated bureau for judges.

The Government has announced plans to construct a permanent court complex to resolve space issues faced by courts in the capital. The Administration stated that the complex would help expedite trials and improve the overall delivery of justice.