Azmiralda accuses AG of influence amid constitutional case
JSC has suspended three Supreme Court judges and launched investigations into alleged ethical violations.
Supreme Court Justice Dr Azmiralda Zahir on Tuesday alleged that Attorney General Ahmed Usham threatened to initiate a disciplinary case against her while the Supreme Court was hearing a challenge to a constitutional amendment that allows an MP to lose their seat if they switch parties.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has suspended three Supreme Court judges and launched investigations into alleged ethical violations as the court was preparing to hear a request for an interim order to halt the implementation of the amendment.
One of the cases against Azmiralda involves allegations that she attempted to influence a Criminal Court judge to prevent the arrest of her husband, Ismail Latheef, a doctor at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).
Appearing before the JSC inquiry committee on Tuesday, Azmiralda claimed that the arrest of her husband was intended to pressure her. She also alleged that her sudden suspension and the ongoing investigations were part of an effort to exert influence over her decisions.
Azmiralda outlined her concerns before the committee:
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Her husband was stopped on 4 December and initially released at the scene, but was later arrested after a police investigator consulted a senior officer.
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After her husband's release, Attorney General Usham allegedly sent a message to her through a third party, referencing the constitutional case pending in the Supreme Court.
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Usham reportedly stated that President Mohamed Muizzu was concerned about the case and suggested it would be dismissed on procedural grounds.
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Usham allegedly mentioned a past disciplinary matter against Azmiralda that remained unresolved from the tenure of former JSC President Hisan Hussain.
Azmiralda has referred the matter to the Anti-Corruption Commission and other relevant authorities.
Denying allegations that she sought to influence her husband’s release, Azmiralda stated that she did not intervene or contact any judge regarding his custody.
The JSC is also investigating a separate disciplinary case against Azmiralda over an alleged incident involving former Supreme Court judge and High Court Assistant Registrar Hussain Mohamed Haneef, who resigned following his suspension. Supreme Court Judge Mahaz Ali Zahir was reportedly present during the incident.
A full bench of seven judges was handling the constitutional case concerning the amendment affecting parliamentary seats.
Suspended Supreme Court Justice Husnu Suood resigned in protest, citing alleged unconstitutional pressure from President Muizzu to prevent the case from being heard.
Azmiralda, who was not allowed legal representation before the JSC committee, spoke in her defence, claiming that the investigation against her was unlawful.
