SC judges’ dismissal heads to parliament committee on Mon
The case has remained stalled due to their suspension, as Supreme Court rules require at least five justices to hear constitutional matters.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has officially resolved to refer the dismissals of Supreme Court Justices Mahaz Ali Zaheer and Dr Azmiralda Zahir to Parliament’s Judiciary Committee. The matter will be tabled at Monday's parliamentary session.
This decision follows allegations that the two judges influenced parliamentary procedures concerning the arrest of Dr. Azmiralda’s husband, Ismail Latheef, an IGMH doctor allegedly caught at a massage parlor. Reports claim they pressured the Criminal Court to determine whether Latheef should be remanded.
Monday's agenda includes two key items: the JSC’s recommendations to remove both Mahaz and Azmiralda will be reviewed and sent to the Judiciary Committee for further evaluation and a final decision.
The removal process requires:
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A JSC decision in accordance with the Commission and Judiciary Acts,
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An assessment by the Judiciary Committee,
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A two-thirds parliamentary majority vote,
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Immediate dismissal upon approval.
Both judges were previously suspended on February 26 during hearings regarding a high-profile constitutional case about loss of parliamentary seats upon party expulsion. The case has remained stalled due to their suspension, as Supreme Court rules require at least five justices to hear constitutional matters.
Additionally, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating both judges for allegedly influencing Criminal Court rulings. A letter from the ACC prompted their suspension. Azmiralda has accused ACC President Adam Shamil of interfering in her husband’s case and providing false information, though the police declined to pursue the matter.
In related developments, the JSC is also probing whether the two judges were present when former judge Husnu Suood verbally abused Assistant High Court Registrar Hussain Mohamed Haneef in their presence, and Azmiralda’s lawyer, Ibrahim Shameel, over a press release he issued.
