Azmiralda submits 28 evidence to JSC in ongoing probe
The evidence includes 17 documents and 11 oral witnesses.
Supreme Court Justice Dr Azmiralda Zahir has submitted 28 pieces of evidence to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) as part of her defence in an investigation into allegations that she influenced the release of her husband, Ismail Latheef, a doctor at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).
The evidence includes 17 documents and 11 oral witnesses. The JSC is scheduled to take testimony from the 11 witnesses.
Azmiralda’s lawyer, Ibrahim Shameel, issued a press release on Sunday outlining her response to the commission's initial investigation report. According to the statement, Azmiralda requested a declaration that the allegations remain unproven.
The response also raised several procedural concerns. It stated that the commission initiated the investigation without following the required procedures, conducted the inquiry in a manner that was not aligned with constitutional standards, and restricted Azmiralda's ability to present a full defence. The statement further noted that the decision not to hold public hearings lacked transparency and alleged that the first report submitted by the JSC contained inaccuracies.
A final report will be prepared by the JSC following any additional hearings it deems necessary. One hearing is required as a final step in the process.
The commission is also conducting a separate disciplinary investigation against Supreme Court Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir. He has received the first report of the investigation as well.
In addition, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating Azmiralda and Mahaz in relation to allegations of influencing judges at the Criminal Court. Azmiralda has filed a complaint against ACC President Adam Shamil, accusing him of attempting to influence the case.
The JSC is examining other related matters, including an incident involving High Court Assistant Registrar Hussain Mohamed Haneef, who was summoned to the Supreme Court, and an allegation that then Supreme Court Justice Husnu Suood directed inappropriate remarks at Haneef in the presence of both Azmiralda and Mahaz.
The JSC has also initiated a disciplinary investigation against lawyer Ibrahim Shameel for issuing the press release on behalf of Azmiralda.
