Suspended Supreme Court Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir has responded to allegations at the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Justice Mahaz is accused of influencing judges of the Criminal Court. This is related to a case alleging he exerted influence to release Dr. Ismail Lateef, the husband of Supreme Court Justice Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, from detention.

In connection with the case, Justice Mahaz appeared before JSC at 1pm on Sunday and responded to the allegations. Justice Mahaz appeared at JSC with his legal counsel, Faisal Mohamed.

According to some media reports citing lawyer Faisal, Justice Mahaz answered JSC's questions and clearly explained how events unfolded on the day regarding the ongoing allegations. It was also stated that the case filed claiming Justice Mahaz influenced a detention hearing at the Criminal Court is not a valid case.

Faisal said that in the case, Justice Mahaz did not call or message any Criminal Court judge to achieve a specific outcome, and that while Dr. Ismail Lateef's detention hearing was held in the morning, Justice Mahaz only received information about it after 11:30 that day.

In addition to Justice Mahaz, JSC is also investigating an ethical case against Justice Dr. Azmiralda Zahir of the Supreme Court.

These judicial cases are being examined and justices have been suspended while a hearing had begun on a case filed to nullify the constitutional amendment allowing membership loss for floor crossing. Further, on 26 February 2025, the People's Majlis passed a bill forcing the removal of two Supreme Court justices.