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Suspended judges. (File Photo/President's Office)

Suood didn't use abusive language, Haneef produced within process: Judges

The case was initially filed in 2022 when Haneef was presented before the Supreme Court.

19 March 2025
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Supreme Court judges Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir informed the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on Wednesday that High Court Assistant Registrar Hussain Mohamed Haneef was presented before the Supreme Court in accordance with existing procedures.

The two judges were summoned by the JSC regarding an incident where former Supreme Court Justice Husnu Suood allegedly used insulting language towards Haneef after he was brought before the court.

Azmiralda’s lawyer, Ibrahim Shameel, stated that the JSC's allegations were unclear. He added that the commission’s questions focused on the procedural aspects of presenting a High Court employee before the Supreme Court rather than the events of the meeting in question. Shameel said that Azmiralda denied any misconduct and asserted that no judge used abusive language during the meeting.

Mahaz’s lawyer, Mohamed Faisal, also noted that the inquiry committee did not question him about whether a judge used abusive language. He argued that the complaint against Mahaz was based on his presence at the location rather than any direct action.

The case was initially filed in 2022 when Haneef was presented before the Supreme Court. The section under Mahaz had also filed a case in the Supreme Court citing a lack of cooperation from Haneef and other judges.

The JSC decided to proceed with the case against Mahaz and Azmiralda this month, three years after it was filed. The commission also chose not to investigate Mahaz’s case further.

Separately, the JSC is investigating allegations that Azmiralda influenced authorities to prevent the arrest of her husband, IGMH doctor Ismail Latleef.

Statements have been taken from Azmiralda and Mahaz, as well as from Criminal Court judges Sofwath Habeeb, Ibrahim Zihunee, and Chief Justice Adam Mohamed. The first report of the investigation has been issued to the two judges, who have seven days to respond.

The judges' terms are set to expire Thursday, after which a final report will be prepared, followed by a concluding hearing. The JSC has also decided to examine the matter as an ethical issue due to statements made by Azmiralda’s lawyer regarding the investigation.

The decision to proceed with the hearings comes as the Supreme Court is considering a constitutional amendment regarding the loss of parliamentary seats due to party expulsion. The case remains pending, with four Supreme Court judges still active, as the Courts Act requires at least five judges to hear constitutional cases.

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