Male, Feb 26 – The Maldives Parliament has passed an amendment to reduce the number of Supreme Court justices from seven to five, triggering immediate controversy as three top judges were suspended just hours later. The move has sparked accusations from the opposition, particularly the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which claims the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) is exploiting its parliamentary majority to suppress judicial independence.
The contentious amendment was passed on Wednesday morning with a 68-9 majority after three MDP parliamentarians were ejected from the session. The legislation, as reported by state-run Public Service Media (PSM News), aims to align the judiciary with constitutional principles and enhance its service to the public. The amendment stipulates that the Supreme Court will now consist of five justices, including the Chief Justice, and grants the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) the authority to recommend the removal of any justice deemed unfit, requiring a two-thirds parliamentary vote for execution.
Shortly after the bill's passage, the JSC suspended Justices Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, Mahaz Ali Zahir, and Husnu Al Suood, citing an ongoing criminal investigation led by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Local reports indicate that the suspensions came just before a Supreme Court hearing on a petition challenging a constitutional amendment that disqualifies MPs for switching political parties.
The amendment to the Judicature Act was fast-tracked, submitted on Sunday night, debated on Tuesday, and put to a vote the following morning. Opposition parties, including the MDP and The Democrats, criticized the timing, accusing the government of maneuvering to exert control over the judiciary.
Counsel General Fathimath Filza raised concerns about the process, arguing that removing justices without allowing them a defense is unfair. Her stance led to an emergency Judiciary Committee meeting on Tuesday night, but the bill proceeded regardless. Notably, Judiciary Committee Deputy Chair Anara Naeem, who initially intended to abstain, voted in favor of the bill after facing reported threats of disciplinary action from the PNC. Meanwhile, another PNC member, Ahmed Azaan Marzooq, walked out during the vote.
Opposition voices argue that the bill is unconstitutional and designed to consolidate government influence over the courts. The amendment comes amid fluctuating Supreme Court compositions over the years—initially set at five justices before being raised to seven in 2010, then reduced back to five in 2014 under former President Abdulla Yameen, and increased again to seven during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's tenure.
As the fallout from the legislative change unfolds, the opposition continues to push back, warning of a dangerous precedent for judicial independence in the Maldives.
The contentious amendment was passed on Wednesday morning with a 68-9 majority after three MDP parliamentarians were ejected from the session. The legislation, as reported by state-run Public Service Media (PSM News), aims to align the judiciary with constitutional principles and enhance its service to the public. The amendment stipulates that the Supreme Court will now consist of five justices, including the Chief Justice, and grants the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) the authority to recommend the removal of any justice deemed unfit, requiring a two-thirds parliamentary vote for execution.
Shortly after the bill's passage, the JSC suspended Justices Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, Mahaz Ali Zahir, and Husnu Al Suood, citing an ongoing criminal investigation led by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Local reports indicate that the suspensions came just before a Supreme Court hearing on a petition challenging a constitutional amendment that disqualifies MPs for switching political parties.
The amendment to the Judicature Act was fast-tracked, submitted on Sunday night, debated on Tuesday, and put to a vote the following morning. Opposition parties, including the MDP and The Democrats, criticized the timing, accusing the government of maneuvering to exert control over the judiciary.
Counsel General Fathimath Filza raised concerns about the process, arguing that removing justices without allowing them a defense is unfair. Her stance led to an emergency Judiciary Committee meeting on Tuesday night, but the bill proceeded regardless. Notably, Judiciary Committee Deputy Chair Anara Naeem, who initially intended to abstain, voted in favor of the bill after facing reported threats of disciplinary action from the PNC. Meanwhile, another PNC member, Ahmed Azaan Marzooq, walked out during the vote.
Opposition voices argue that the bill is unconstitutional and designed to consolidate government influence over the courts. The amendment comes amid fluctuating Supreme Court compositions over the years—initially set at five justices before being raised to seven in 2010, then reduced back to five in 2014 under former President Abdulla Yameen, and increased again to seven during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's tenure.
As the fallout from the legislative change unfolds, the opposition continues to push back, warning of a dangerous precedent for judicial independence in the Maldives.
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