Maldives · Legislation
Legislation and primary sources
Where to find the authoritative text of the law in Maldives, and how to confirm it is still in force.
Sources of law, ranked
- The Constitution of 2008
- Supreme; no law contrary to a tenet of Islam may be enacted.
- Sharia
- Applies directly where statute is silent and constrains legislative validity.
- Acts of the People's Majlis
- Including the 2014 Penal Code, the first modern codification.
- Regulations
- Made under statutory authority and published in the Gazette.
- Judicial precedent
- Supreme Court rulings bind lower courts under the Judicature Act.
The legislative process
Bills pass the Majlis by simple majority and go to the President, who may assent or return the bill once; a second passage requires assent. The Attorney General advises on constitutionality, and the Supreme Court may rule on it after enactment. Constitutional amendments need a two-thirds majority, and amendments to specified provisions also require a public referendum.
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