JSC Recommends Dismissal of SC Judges Azmiralda and Mahaz

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has recommended the dismissal of Supreme Court Judges Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir to the People’s Majlis, following a lengthy suspension over allegations of attempting to influence the outcome of a suspected criminal case involving Judge Azmiralda’s husband.

Today’s decision by the JSC to recommend dismissing the judges will now be forwarded to the People’s Majlis. According to procedure, the Majlis will refer the matter to its Judiciary Committee, which will review whether the dismissal followed due process. The committee’s findings will then be submitted to the full Majlis for a final decision.

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The two judges were suspended last year after serious allegations surfaced that they, along with Justice Husnu Al Suood, used their positions to secure the release of Dr. Ismail Latheef — Judge Azmiralda’s husband — who had been arrested by police in a raid on a spa suspected of illegal activity. Justice Suood later resigned as the scandal unfolded.

The timing of their suspension raised eyebrows, as it occurred while the Supreme Court was hearing a politically sensitive case related to recent amendments to the Constitution — specifically the clause banning floor-crossing by Members of Parliament. The case, submitted by prominent lawyer and former Kendhoo MP Ali Hussain, challenged the legality and procedures surrounding the amendment passed by the ruling coalition to prevent MPs from switching parties after being elected.

Ali Hussain argued that the floor-crossing amendment violated fundamental democratic principles and failed to follow constitutional due process. The case was of national importance, as it directly impacted the political balance of the parliament and the ability of MPs to vote independently of party lines. The Supreme Court had begun hearings but was unable to reach a decision due to the suspension of key judges involved in the bench.

President Dr. Mohamed Muiz has publicly denied interfering with the JSC’s work but admitted to contacting both the JSC president and his representative to “expedite” the case involving the judges. This revelation has led to criticism from legal experts and civil society groups, who view the president’s involvement as undermining the independence of the judiciary.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is conducting a parallel investigation into the same allegations, further complicating the legal landscape.