Bar Council: Media bill needs major constitutional revisions

The Bar Council of Maldives (BCM) stated on Monday evening that the proposed media bill requires substantial revision and reconsideration to align with constitutional principles and international best practices.

The Independent Institutions Committee of parliament, which reviewed the bill, passed it on Monday amid protests by journalists. A member of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), which holds a supermajority in parliament, indicated that they would attempt to pass the bill in an extraordinary sitting on Tuesday.

The Bar Council of Maldives (BCM) has submitted its comments to the People’s Majlis regarding the proposed Maldives Media & Broadcasting Regulation Bill. (1/3)

— Bar Council of the Maldives (@MvBarCouncil) September 15, 2025

In an X post concerning the bill, the Bar Council confirmed it has submitted its views to parliament, urging "Parliament to conduct meaningful stakeholder consultations and allow sufficient time for public feedback prior to the bill’s enactment."

Journalists have been protesting against the bill since its introduction in parliament on August 18. All media outlets that have commented on the bill, including the Maldives Media Council (MMC), the Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom), and the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM), have also expressed concerns.

A petition signed by 151 journalists was submitted to parliament in opposition to the bill. However, the Independent Institutions Committee decided on Monday that these concerns have been addressed through the amendments passed with the bill.