Supreme Court paralyzed for weeks; Muizzu denies judicial interference
Muizzu stated that fully implementing democracy is his administration’s policy
The Supreme Court of Maldives
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has asserted that he exercises no influence over the judiciary, even as the Supreme Court remains paralyzed for weeks.
During a press conference held at the President's Office on Saturday, a journalist from RaajjeTV noted that it has been nearly 60 days since three Supreme Court justices were suspended, paralyzing the court from hearing constitutional cases.
The journalist highlighted that President Muizzu has full control of the People's Majlis, and with recent legal changes, he also has the power to appoint heads and deputy heads of independent institutions.
Further, the journalist noted that the president has control over the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Given these circumstances, the journalist asked if the current government in the Maldives can be considered democratic.
In response to this, Muizzu said that JSC is not a body to be controlled, and that the judiciary will answer for matters within its purview. He stated that he would not have to take responsibility for such matters and assured that he would not do such things in his capacity as the island nation’s president.
Emphasizing that this “is” a democratic government, Muizzu said that his administration operates within the democratic system. He added that while there is complete freedom for each entity to fulfill its responsibilities, it is the people who elect individuals to positions.
Muizzu stated that fully implementing democracy is his administration’s policy.
However, while the Supreme Court was proceeding with the case regarding the constitutional amendment passed using the parliament's supermajority to allow for the dismissal of members for floor crossing, JSC held an emergency meeting at the direction of the president and suspended three Supreme Court justices.
Justices Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, Husnu Al Suood, and Mahaz Ali Zahir were suspended on 26 February 2025, while they were in the courtroom after scheduling a hearing for the case where a temporary order was sought regarding the dismissal of lawmakers. The three justices were suspended within 10 minutes after the JSC convened for an emergency meeting and a decision was made.
Subsequently, on 4 March 2025, Suood resigned, stating that President Muizzu had violated the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives. JSC is now investigating the cases of Judge Mahaz Ali Zahir and Dr. Azmiralda Zahir.
As the Supreme Court currently stands, constitutional cases can only be heard by a full bench comprising all seven justices. After Suood's resignation, Hussain Shaheed was appointed to replace him shortly after. This means that the Supreme Court bench currently consists of five judges.
While the government allegedly plotted to suspend three judges to halt a major constitutional case submitted to the Supreme Court, several lawyers in the Bar Council have also expressed concern about how the Bar Council member in JSC voted.
