An investigation has been launched into a case involving Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir of the Supreme Court of the Maldives.

A reliable source confirmed to RaajjeMV that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS) are investigating a case involving Supreme Court Justice Mahaz. The source also revealed that the investigation is related to an alleged case of influencing judges of the Criminal Court.

Further, the source emphasized that the police institution has taken a statement from a judge of the Criminal Court in connection with the case as well.

RaajjeMV’s attempts to attain a comment from the police institution regarding the case have been to no avail.

When questioned, JSC’s media official revealed that according to their policy, they do not disclose information about ongoing investigations, but they will reveal if any ethical misconduct is proven.

The investigation into Supreme Court Justice Mahaz's case has been launched just as the Supreme Court had scheduled a hearing for a case challenging the constitutional amendment that stipulates the loss of parliamentary membership if a member changes political parties or is expelled from the party they were affiliated with when elected.

Ali Hussain, who filed the case, has also stated that he has received credible information that the government is working to change the bench of Supreme Court justices.

The case challenging the constitutional amendment is scheduled for hearing at the Supreme Court at 11am on February 17.

The case will be heard by a bench of seven justices. Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan will preside over the hearing.

The case argues that the amendment allowing for the loss of parliamentary seats due to party switching was brought contrary to Articles 4, 8, 26, 75, and 90 of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives. It also claims that the change is directly against the framework of the Constitution.