The government has submitted a bill to the People's Majlis that would treat defamation as a civil offence and set limits on compensation.
The Right to Protection of Name and Reputation Bill was presented by Vilimalé MP Mohamed Ismail. Its first reading has taken place.
Under the bill, a statement is defamatory if it is untrue and harms a person's reputation and dignity. This covers spoken words, writing, drawings, cartoons, broadcasts and content shared online, including on social media.
Truth is a complete defence. Honest opinions expressed in good faith on the basis of facts are also protected.
The law would apply to individuals, companies, registered media, online news outlets and digital platforms. It would also cover statements made outside the Maldives that affect a Maldivian's reputation.
Courts could award compensation for financial loss, capped at MVR 500,000, plus penalties ranging from MVR 50,000 to MVR 500,000. Courts may reduce the amount if the defendant apologises or corrects the statement.
A plaintiff must first send a written notice giving the other side a chance to withdraw or amend the statement or to apologise. Cases must be filed within one year, and courts must conclude them within six months.
Statements made by MPs in the chamber and committees, and accurate reporting of court proceedings, would be immune.
Some reports have cited higher figures for possible damages, but the core provisions described in multiple accounts set the upper limit at MVR 500,000 for the relevant categories of compensation and penalties.
The bill is intended to balance freedom of expression with the constitutional right to protect reputation. It shifts defamation from a criminal to a civil matter.
Parliament is expected to continue deliberations on the legislation in the coming sittings.
