A Maldivian business can recover money from an Indian party through a legal notice, a commercial summary suit under Order XXXVII CPC, a suit for refund of an advance with interest, a cheque case under section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, insolvency proceedings, or arbitration. Maldivian arbitration awards are generally enforceable in India since the Maldives joined the New York Convention in 2019.
- Document route
- Maldivian notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation, then Indian High Commission attestation
- Time difference
- IST is 30 minutes ahead of the Maldives all year
- Cheque cases
- Section 138, NI Act 1881
- Civil suit
- Order XXXVII CPC
Money Recovery from India from Maldives: how it works
We review the contract, purchase orders, payment proofs and correspondence, and send a legal notice demanding payment or delivery. If there is no response, we choose the fastest remedy: a summary suit for documented debts, an ordinary suit for refund of advances, or insolvency proceedings if the debtor is a company with an undisputed debt.
If your contract has an arbitration clause and an award has been made, we file for enforcement in the High Court with jurisdiction. Recovered money is remitted to the Maldives through banking channels.
What clients in Maldives should know
- Keep proof of payment of advances and all delivery correspondence.
- Commercial suits above the specified value need pre-institution mediation first.
- Most money claims must be filed within three years of the due date.
Step by step from Maldives
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Maldives, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Maldives
Maldivian notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation, then Indian High Commission attestation
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in Maldives where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Maldives. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Money Recovery from India, or see all services for clients in Maldives and the Disputes & Enforcement practice area.
Questions from clients in Maldives
Can a Maldivian company sue in India?
Yes, through an authorised representative and a properly attested board resolution.
Can we enforce our arbitration award from Malé in India?
Usually yes, under the New York Convention.
Can interest be recovered?
Yes, as agreed in the contract or as the court allows.