JSC probes another case against Azmiralda over press statements
The JSC is currently handling two separate cases against Azmiralda and Mahaz Ali Zahir.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has launched a disciplinary investigation against Supreme Court Justice Dr Azmiralda Zahir for repeatedly issuing press statements through her lawyer, Ibrahim Shameel.
This development comes amid an ongoing probe into allegations of judicial influence.
The decision to investigate Azmiralda was made during a JSC meeting held Tuesday afternoon. While the judges in the commission reportedly refused to hear the case, the other members voted in favour of proceeding with the investigation.
Azmiralda’s lawyer has been actively engaging with the media, issuing press statements and answering questions from reporters regarding the ongoing inquiry. Most recently, following the submission of the first investigative report on an alleged influence over a remand order, the lawyer publicly disclosed details of the findings.
The JSC is currently handling two separate cases against Azmiralda and Supreme Court Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir. These cases involve:
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Alleged influence by Azmiralda on her husband's arrest: It is alleged that Azmiralda attempted to influence judges of the Criminal Court to prevent the arrest of her husband, IGMH doctor Ismail Latheef.
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Alleged judicial misconduct: High Court Assistant Registrar Hussain Mohamad Haneef was reportedly summoned to the Supreme Court, where former Justice Husnu Suood allegedly spoke in harsh words in the presence of Azmiralda and Mahaz.
Both justices were suspended on February 26, following a recommendation from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which had launched its own investigation into the matter. Suood, who was also suspended, resigned from his position on March 4.
The timing of these suspensions has raised concerns, particularly regarding an ongoing constitutional case related to the loss of parliamentary seats. The case involves an amendment that allows for the removal of parliamentarians if they are expelled from their party.
Before the suspensions, the Supreme Court had decided to proceed with the case. However, with three justices now suspended, the case has been temporarily halted. The Supreme Court currently has only four active justices, while the Courts Act mandates a minimum of five judges to hear constitutional cases.
