PSM ordered to pay MVR 600,000 to private security firm

The Civil Court has ordered Public Service Media (PSM) to pay MVR 600,000 to Good Works Maldives – a private security firm – within the next two weeks.

The court issued its ruling on Sunday.

The state broadcaster has signed an agreement with Good Works Maldives to manage security at PSM’s TV and radio buildings on January 31, 2022.

The security firm sued PSM for failure to settle MVR 629,375 owed for services rendered.

Good Works Maldives asked the Civil Court to order PSM to transfer the funds to the court within seven days.

They also sought over MVR 25,000 in legal fees.

PSM was served the lawsuit in July.

The state broadcaster conceded it needs to pay MVR 600,000. It argued that the agreement stipulated that the payment would be made based monthly performance reports, and that Good Works Maldives failed to provide regular services.

The court ordered PSM to pay MVR 600,000 to Good Works Maldives within 14 days.

PSM has had several lawsuits filed against it for failure to settle outstanding payments.