Parliament Sends Amendment Bill to Judicature Act Back to Committee
Photo: MV+
The parliament decided today to send the bill to make amendments to the Judicature Act reducing the number of judges on the Supreme Court bench from seven to five to the review committee as President Dr Mohamed Muizzu sent it to the parliament instead of ratifying it.
Parliament initially passed the bill on 26 February. However, without ratifying the bill, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu sent it back on 11 March, citing conflicts with the existing Judicature Act.
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In a letter presented during the parliamentary session, the president outlined six key concerns. He noted that six judges currently serve on the Supreme Court, with two under suspension due to a disciplinary case. He argued that this situation prevents the court from making decisions with full judicial competence during the period specified in the bill. The letter also raised concerns about the bill granting benefits to judges who leave office with dignity, stating that it would be unreasonable to extend the same benefits to judges dismissed for incompetence.
Meanwhile, Supreme Court Justice Husnu Suood resigned from his post on 4 March.
Highlighting the need for amendments, People’s National Congress (PNC) Parliamentary Group Leader and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah proposed sending the bill back to the review committee. Parliament approved his proposal with 50 lawmakers in favour and seven opposing it.
Holhudhoo MP Abdul Sattar Mohamed, also from the PNC, had introduced the bill independently. However, the PNC issued a whip line to ensure its passage, though some members opposed it. Central Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Azaan Marzooq walked out of the chamber and abstained from voting on the bill’s passage.
Speaking in today’s session, Azaan urged Parliament to reject the bill, warning that judicial interference could hinder the country’s ability to secure foreign financial aid.
Hura MP Anara Nayeem also criticised the bill, describing it as flawed. While she had voted for it on the day of passage, she stated that she had previously raised concerns during the committee stage, though priority was then given to passing the bill.
