Deeply dismayed over emergency extension in Maldives: India

Emergency in the nation has been extended by 30 days.

" We are deeply dismayed that the Government of Maldives has extended the State of Emergency for a further 30 days. The manner in which the extension of the State of Emergency was approved by the Majlis in contravention of the Constitution of Maldives is also a matter of concern," read the MEA statement.

" The consequent delay in the resumption of the political process and the continuing suspension of the functioning of democratic institutions including the judiciary is likely to further delay restoration of normalcy in Maldives," he Ministry said in a statement.

The statement further said: " It is important to ensure that all democratic institutions are allowed to function in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with the Constitution."

India on Tuesday expected that the emergency period in the country will not be extended further.

The country declared a state of Emergency on Feb 5. It expired on Tuesday.

Now, the emergency, newly declared, will end on Mar 22.

Denouncing the detention of two Supreme Court judges in the Maldives, United Nations human rights experts earlier warned that the independence of the judiciary is under “serious threat” in the country, as is the principle of separation of powers between the State and the courts.

“It is clear that the rule of law in the Maldives is now under siege,” said the experts in a news release issued Monday by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

“We call on the Government to refrain from any threats or interference that may hamper the court’s independence as the supreme guardian of the country’s constitution and legislation,” they added.