Majlis Sends Supreme Court Judges Azmiralda and Mahaz’s Dismissal Case to Judiciary Committee

The People’s Majlis has forwarded the Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) recommendation to dismiss Supreme Court Judges Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir to the Judiciary Committee for further review.

In today’s parliamentary sitting, the Speaker announced that the JSC’s report had been received and forwarded to the Judiciary Committee. The Judiciary Committee is now tasked with examining the report and presenting its findings to the full Majlis before a final vote can be taken on the judges’ removal.

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The JSC decided yesterday to dismiss Judges Azmiralda and Mahaz, following a lengthy suspension tied to serious allegations of misconduct. The allegations involve efforts to influence the outcome of a criminal case concerning Judge Azmiralda’s husband, Dr. Ismail Latheef, who was arrested during a police raid on a spa suspected of illegal operations. Both judges, along with then-Justice Husnu Al Suood—who later resigned—were accused of using their judicial authority to intervene in the case.

Their suspension last year coincided with the Supreme Court’s handling of a politically significant case challenging a recent constitutional amendment banning floor-crossing by Members of Parliament. The case, submitted by former Kendhoo MP and lawyer Ali Hussain, argues that the amendment—pushed through by the ruling coalition—violated democratic norms and constitutional procedures. The suspension of judges involved in the case halted its progress and raised concerns about interference in judicial proceedings.

Former Chief Justice Ahmed Abdulla Didi harshly criticized the JSC’s decision, warning that it undermines the authority of the judiciary and obstructs justice in matters of national importance. 

“This case was filed before the highest court of the Maldives as a matter of constitutional and public interest,” he stated. “There is no reason to believe the dismissal motion was unanimous. Preventing the case from proceeding is a crime under Article 41(c) and (d) of the Constitution, and all those involved must be held accountable before the public. Criminal liability under Section 533 of the Penal Code must also be considered.”

ދިވެހި ދައުލަތުގެ އެންމެ އަސާސީ އެއް ރުކުން ކަމުގައިވާ ދިވެހި ރައްޔިތުންގެ ބާރު ގެއްލޭގޮތަށް، ޤާނޫނުއަސާސީއަށް ގެނެވުނު ބަދަލަކީ ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާގެ ޤާނޫނުއަސާސީގައި ޤާއިމުވެފައިވާ އަސާސީ ސިފަތަކާއި މަބްދައުތަކާ ޚިލާފަށް ގެނެވުނު ބަދަލަކަށްވާތީ، އެ މައްސަލަ… pic.twitter.com/fdbDA59ILe— Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi (@AABDULLADIDI) May 4, 2025

Didi’s statement reflects growing concern among legal experts and opposition figures over the integrity of the judiciary and the transparency of the JSC’s process. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and several prominent public figures have also voiced strong opposition to the dismissals, alleging political interference and calling for an independent review.

President Dr. Mohamed Muiz has acknowledged contacting the JSC president and a commission member to “expedite” the investigation into the judges. Although he denied influencing the outcome, the disclosure has drawn criticism from legal observers and civil society groups concerned about judicial independence.

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

The Judiciary Committee will now determine whether the JSC’s dismissal process adhered to constitutional requirements. Once the committee submits its findings, the matter will return to the Majlis floor for debate and a final decision.