JSC summons Mahaz, Azmiralda on Wednesday

Two Supreme Court judges, Mahaz Ali Zahir and Azmiralda Zahir, have been summoned to appear before the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on Wednesday.

The judges were called to appear before JSC in its ethics investigation that the two justices were present when former Supreme Court justice Husnu Suood summoned High Court Assistant Registrar Hussain Mohamed Haneef to the Supreme Court and made insults at him. 

Mahaz and Azmiralda have been summoned in connection with the case filed in 2022, their lawyers confirmed. According to the summons:

In addition to this case, the JSC is also investigating allegations that Azmiralda influenced her husband, IGMH doctor Ismail Latheef, in order to prevent him from being arrested. Both Azmiralda and Mahaz are under investigation. Statements have been taken, and the JSC has shared the initial investigation report with them.

The judges have seven days to respond to the initial report, with the deadline set for this Thursday. Following their response, a final report will be prepared, with an additional hearing scheduled.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is also conducting an investigation into allegations that Mahaz and Azmiralda attempted to influence judges at the Criminal Court. Azmiralda has filed a separate case against ACC President Adam Shamil, accusing him of influencing the trial. The ACC has accepted the case.

The cases involving these judges, including those previously filed with the JSC, were suspended as the Supreme Court was set to hear an interim order related to parliamentary seat disqualifications. The case involves a constitutional amendment that allows the loss of a parliamentary seat if a member is expelled from their party. The judges were suspended after the court decided to proceed with the case, delaying the matter further.

Four judges remain in the Supreme Court without suspension. Under the Courts Act, a constitutional case at the Supreme Court must be heard by a bench of at least five judges.