MPs clash over dismissal of justices
The justices were dismissed following a motion submitted to parliament by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC)
Left to right: Mohamed Saeed, Ahmed Shiyam, Moosa Siraj and Meekail Ahmed Naseem
Members of the parliament have clashed over the expulsion of two Supreme Court justices at Monday's parliament session.
The People’s Majlis on Monday approved the dismissal of Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi and Justice Adam Mohamed Abdulla.
The justices were dismissed following a motion submitted to parliament by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) after the commission completed investigations into disciplinary issues against the justices.
During the parliamentary debate on the motion, MP for Fonadhoo constituency, Moosa Siraj, stated that the Judiciary Committee has never supported an expulsion of a justice without following all the required procedures.
Siraj, a member of the parliament's Judiciary Committee, further stated that the impeached Chief Justice, Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi doesn't have the proper knowledge or understanding of the country's laws and constitution, adding that the chief justice has continuously challenged laws clearly defined in the constitution.
MP for South Galolhu constituency, Meekail Ahmed Naseem also shared his views during the debate, stating that there has been a huge progress from the unfair dismissals of the past that did not follow procedures, unlike the recent expulsion.
He further highlighted that no member of the court is above the law and that the chief justice's provocation against the JSC and the parliament, is not a challenge to a specific person or party but is truly a challenge to the institution as a whole.
While criticizing the opposition party, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Meekail described the judicial sector as an "investment" for tycoons and PPM.
On the other hand, the MP for Maavashu constituency, Mohamed Saeed highlighted that the JSC is mostly comprised of members from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) as well as staunch supporters of Former President Nasheed despite the fact that the JSC must be an independent institution devoid of external influence.
He emphasized that the JSC must truly be independent institution for the court houses to be independent.
