JSC cancels session to decide on SC judges dismissal
The committee investigating the matter had recommended separating Azmiralda and Mahaz from the incident involving Latheef.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has cancelled the meeting scheduled for Sunday evening to decide on the dismissal of Supreme Court judges Dr. Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir.
The meeting, initially set for 8:00 p.m., was intended to review the inquiry report prepared by the committee investigating the judges, as well as the responses submitted by Azmiralda and Mahaz. However, the reason behind the sudden cancellation remains unknown.
Dr. Azmiralda Zahir had earlier written to the JSC requesting that the session be held openly. Among her requests were:
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To be allowed to appear with legal representation and present her defense evidence.
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To make the hearing open to the public.
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To prevent those involved in the inquiry committee from participating in the final decision. The individuals she cited include Civil Service Commission Chairman Mohamed Nasih, Presidential appointee Yazmeed Mohamed, lawyers' representative Ali Abdul Latheef, and Attorney General Ahmed Usham.
The investigation stems from an incident involving Azmiralda's husband, IGMH doctor Ismail Latheef, who was arrested from a massage parlor. However, the committee investigating the matter had recommended separating Azmiralda and Mahaz from the incident involving Latheef.
In addition to this inquiry, both judges are under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over allegations of influencing Criminal Court judges. Following a letter from the ACC, Azmiralda and Mahaz were suspended. Dr. Azmiralda has since filed several complaints against ACC President Adam Shamil, accusing him of influencing trials and providing false information. Although a case was filed with the ACC, the police reportedly did not accept her complaint.
The JSC is also investigating other cases involving the two judges, including:
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An incident where High Court Assistant Registrar Hussain Mohamed Haneef was produced before the Supreme Court using improper language, during a session attended by Azmiralda, Mahaz, and former Supreme Court Justice Husnu Suood.
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A disciplinary case against Azmiralda’s lawyer, Ibrahim Shameel, for issuing a press release related to the case.
Azmiralda, Mahaz, and Suoodh were all suspended on February 26, just as the Supreme Court was about to hear an interim order challenging new amendments regarding the loss of parliamentary seats after party expulsion. Their suspension has caused a significant delay in the constitutional case, with proceedings stalled for over a month.
