President Ratifies Eighth Amendment to Judges Act, Mandates Degrees for Magistrates
Supreme Court Justices’ chairs | Photo: Supreme Court
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu ratified the eighth amendment to the Maldives Judges Act yesterday, mandating all magistrates to enrol in a first degree in law, sharia, or a combination of both within a year of the law’s implementation.
Judges must complete the degree within five years, with non-compliance potentially resulting in the vacancy of their seat, unless an acceptable reason is granted by the Judicial Service Commission.
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The amendment, passed by the 20th People’s Majlis during its 17th sitting of the third session on 10 November 2025, also introduces stricter rules to safeguard judicial independence and integrity. Judges are prohibited from holding any other government positions, engaging in private employment, contractual work, or business activities. The law reinforces that judges must act in line with the Constitution without attempting to influence others, while the state is responsible for ensuring their safety. Supreme Court judges will receive protection under regulations enacted through the military act.
The amendment clarifies experience requirements for judicial appointments, with Supreme Court candidates needing a minimum of three years of experience, and magistrate court candidates requiring at least two. Changes to retirement and resignation provisions include mandatory retirement at 70, eligibility to resign voluntarily at 55 after 15 years of service, and revised benefits based on age and service.
The Act also removes Articles 32 and 35(h), introduces a new chapter on judicial code of conduct, renames Chapter Five as “Salary and Benefits” and Chapter Six as “Miscellaneous Items Related to Judges,” and outlines procedures for appointments, transfers, and temporary assignments. The amendments further revise regulations on financial disclosures, judicial duties, and the administration of justice.
With the President’s ratification, the amendment has now come into effect.
