High Court rules SJ bids wrongfully voided
The High Court of Maldives upheld a Civil Court ruling that the joint venture tenders submitted by SJ Trade Private Limited and SJ Construction for housing projects in three islands were wrongfully voided. The court affirmed that the National Tender Board (NTB) must comply with the Independent Review Committee's (IRC) decision to re-evaluate the tenders. The ruling also validates SJ's right to seek compensation for damages. The projects involve 100 housing units in Nolhivaranfushi, 100 in Hanimaadhoo, and 64 units plus design of 36 new units in Vilufushi. The NTB had attempted to award the project to another company, but the High Court ruled that this does not excuse compliance with the court's remedy.