18 Cases Closed By JSC Last Year From 87 Investigated Cases

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) closed 18 cases last year out of a total of 87 complaints investigated, as the number of complaints filed against judges recorded a sharp increase.

According to JSC statistics, the commission received 261 complaints in 2025, marking a 45.81 per cent rise compared to the 179 complaints received the previous year. Of these, 135 complaints were deemed not to fall within the scope of judicial matters. A further 54 complaints remained under review by the committee to determine whether they warranted investigation.

Year in Review – Legal, Complaints and Investigation pic.twitter.com/vFs1rZcFPf— Judicial Service Commission (@MaldivesJSC) January 8, 2026

Following the review process, the JSC referred 72 new complaints for investigation in 2025, along with 15 cases carried forward from the previous year, bringing the total number of cases investigated during the year to 87.

Of the 18 cases concluded, eight cases, or 44 per cent, were substantiated, while 10 cases, or 56 per cent, were found to be unsubstantiated. As outcomes of the investigations, three cases were forwarded to Parliament with recommendations for termination, two judges were advised to complete mandatory training, and two judges were suspended.

The JSC also reported changes in the composition of the judiciary over the year. As of 31 December 2025, there were 204 judges serving nationwide. During the year, 34 new judges were appointed, including four to the Supreme Court, two to the High Court, four to superior courts, and 24 to magistrate courts. Of these appointments, only seven judges were women, all appointed exclusively to magistrate courts.

Year in Review – Judicial Human Resources & Judicial Services pic.twitter.com/j3YDUcxj8D— Judicial Service Commission (@MaldivesJSC) January 8, 2026

During the same period, five judges retired, two resigned, and three were terminated from service. One of the terminated judges was a woman.

The figures come amid significant developments affecting the judiciary in 2025. In May, Parliament dismissed Supreme Court Justices Dr Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir over alleged misconduct, including accusations of influencing lower court decisions related to Azmiralda’s husband. The dismissals followed a parliamentary vote and legislative amendments that reduced the size of the Supreme Court.

The move sparked concern among the dismissed judges and international observers, who raised questions over due process, political interference, and threats to judicial independence. Around the same time, Supreme Court Justice Husnu Al-Suood resigned from his post, citing government interference in the justice system.