Member of Parliament for Baarah Constituency and Vice President of the People’s National Congress (PNC), Ibrahim Shujau, said that previous administrations had neglected the judiciary’s repeated concerns over inadequate court space, describing it as a major barrier to the delivery of justice.

His remarks came after the inauguration of the new Justice Building Annex in Hulhumalé on Sunday by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The facility replaces the former building that housed the Criminal Court, which was recently declared structurally unsafe.

Shujau took to his X account to state that while former leaders often spoke of justice and reform, they had ignored one of the judiciary’s most pressing issues – the lack of adequate physical space. He credited President Dr Muizzu for taking tangible action and providing a solution to a long-standing problem.

According to Shujau, the new building addresses key constraints that have contributed to prolonged pre-trial detention and delays in proceedings. He said the judiciary now has the space needed to function more efficiently, and that this development removes one of the main justifications previously cited for case delays.

He also noted that the justice sector needs a comfortable and well-equipped environment to operate effectively, adding that President Dr Muizzu is the only leader who has responded meaningfully to the judiciary’s concerns. Without proper conditions, he added, courts cannot be expected to deliver justice fairly or efficiently.