CSOs Call on Parliament to Uphold Constitution in Inquiry into Supreme Court Justices
Supreme Court Judges Azmiralda Zahir (L) and Mahaz Ali Zahir (R). | Photo credit: Supreme Court of Maldives
Five Maldivian civil society organisations have jointly called on Parliament to ensure full adherence to the Constitution in its inquiry into the Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) recommendation to dismiss Supreme Court Justices Dr Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir.
In a joint statement released on yesterday, Transparency Maldives, Association for Democracy in the Maldives, Zero Waste Maldives, Save Maldives, and Uthema expressed grave concerns over what they described as a lack of due process in the JSC’s handling of the matter. The organisations said the justices were denied adequate opportunity to defend themselves and warned that the developments could significantly undermine judicial independence, the rule of law, and the separation of powers in the Maldives.
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According to the statement, the controversy began on 26 February 2025 when Justices Husnu Suood, Dr Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir, three of the seven sitting Supreme Court justices were suspended during an emergency JSC meeting. The meeting coincided with a scheduled Supreme Court hearing on a constitutional challenge to anti-defection provisions introduced in the sixth amendment to the Constitution.
The civil society groups drew attention to what they described as a pattern of actions suggesting a coordinated attempt to reduce the Supreme Court bench and exert influence over the judiciary. These included the expedited investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission into alleged abuses of power by Justices Dr Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir and their subsequent suspension.
The statement noted that Justice Husnu Suood has since resigned, citing government intimidation and attempts to influence judicial decisions. It further criticised the JSC’s decision on 4 May 2025 to recommend the dismissal of Justices Dr Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir without providing them adequate opportunity to present their defence.
Describing the process as lacking in transparency and fairness, the organisations called on Parliament and its Judiciary Committee to conduct an open, thorough and impartial investigation. They urged that the inquiry provide a platform for the justices to respond to allegations against them and adhere strictly to constitutional procedures as well as relevant legal frameworks, including the Judges Act, Judicature Act, and Judicial Service Commission Act.
The joint statement also called for a review of whether the JSC acted in accordance with legal standards and whether its dismissal recommendations were based on credible evidence and sound legal reasoning. Noting the serious nature of removing Supreme Court justices, the organisations emphasised the importance of transparency, including holding public proceedings with the consent of the justices.
Lastly, the groups urged Parliament to ensure accountability by taking legal action against any individuals found to have committed misconduct or acted unlawfully during the process.
