Parliament rejects resolution calling for JSC accountability over baseless dismissal of judges
2 ނޮވެމްބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 11:25The Parliament today rejected a resolution seeking to hold the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) accountable for the suspension and subsequent removal of three Supreme Court justices, despite investigations reportedly clearing them of criminal wrongdoing. While the justices have alleged that the government exerted undue influence over the judiciary in this matter, the resolution was dismissed by a majority vote of 28 members.
Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), the MDP Member of Parliament for the North Galolhu constituency. | Majilis
The Parliament has rejected a resolution calling for the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to be held accountable over the suspension of three former Supreme Court justices and the subsequent removal of two of them from the bench.
The Parliament has rejected a resolution submitted by Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), the MDP Member for North Galolhu, with a majority of 28 members voting against it. Only seven members voted in favor of accepting the resolution for debate. Following the vote, Speaker of the Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla announced that the resolution had been defeated.
The resolution stated that the suspension of former Supreme Court Justices Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, Mahaz Ali Zahir, and Husnu Al Suood, along with the subsequent removal of two of those justices, occurred in the absence of any evidence of criminal misconduct.
The resolution states that as there were no grounds to believe any of the three judges had committed a criminal offense, the police have filed the case and the Prosecutor General’s Office has decided not to pursue charges against them. The resolution further emphasizes that this outcome demonstrates the judges were removed based on unsubstantiated allegations.
The resolution states that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) must be held accountable for the removal of three judges based solely on allegations, particularly as there was no evidence to suggest that a criminal offense had been committed.
The member who introduced the resolution emphasized that removing judges from office in the absence of any suspected criminal conduct is a matter of grave concern. Consequently, the resolution underscores the importance of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) clarifying its actions and being held accountable in this matter.
Many observers emphasize that this resolution is vital for upholding the dignity and integrity of the judiciary, while ensuring accountability within the Judicial Service Commission and guaranteeing that its proceedings are conducted fairly.
The three judges were suspended while they were presiding over a constitutional challenge filed at the Supreme Court against an amendment that mandates members of parliament lose their seats for switching political parties. In response, Justices Husnu Al Suood and Azmiralda Zahir alleged that the government attempted to obstruct the constitutional case by exerting undue influence over the Supreme Court. However, the government has denied all such allegations.
