
JSC seeks extra allowances for retiring chief justices
Changes include a monthly living allowance of MVR 70,000, continued transport support including a driver and fuel, and a recalculated retirement allowance.
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The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has submitted a request to Parliament to revise retirement allowances for the Chief Justice, following a proposal by incumbent Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan to retire.
The matter was tabled at the Finance Committee, which holds oversight of salaries and allowances for judges. According to details discussed in the committee and seen by Atoll Times, the proposed changes include a monthly living allowance of MVR 70,000, continued transport support including a driver and fuel, and a recalculated retirement allowance based on the total duration of state service, rather than solely time served as a judge.
If implemented, Chief Justice Muthasim would receive a retirement allowance of MVR 493,600, up from MVR 185,100, by including his total service to the state — 24 years, four months and 18 days — rather than only his nine years, six months and 11 days as a judge.
Dhiggaru MP and Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim, addressing the committee, noted that the JSC letter outlines changes in three key areas:
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1-
Retirement allowances to be calculated on the basic salary at the time of retirement.
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Exclusion of living allowances from the monthly allowance calculation.
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Provision of continued security, accommodation, and transport to a retiring Chief Justice.
Nazim supported the changes, stating that the state should treat a retiring Chief Justice with respect, especially when the retirement is under honourable circumstances.
However, MDP MPs on the committee raised concerns over timing and transparency. Hulhumalé South MP Mohamed Shamheed questioned the appropriateness of introducing the changes at this time, suggesting it resembled a “deal” arranged for a specific individual.
Shamheed criticised the proposed MVR 70,000 monthly living allowance, comparing the Chief Justice’s entitlement to that of long-serving nurses and other state employees. “People who have served the state for 25 years do not receive such allowances,” he said.
He further accused the committee of inconsistency, referencing previous discussions on reducing public expenditure and retirement benefits for former officials. “If this is being arranged under a specific agreement, it amounts to misuse of public funds,” he said.
Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Musa echoed the criticism, calling for systemic reform instead of changes tailored to a particular individual. He noted that the committee is already reviewing retirement allowances under the Judiciary Act and urged that any changes be implemented broadly rather than for a single case.
Kelaa MP Abdulla Shareef, a member of the PNC, dismissed the opposition’s accusations, stating that the committee’s discussion falls within its mandate and that no individual deal was being arranged. “This committee is not acting outside the austerity policy or planning personal benefits,” he said.
Gafoor responded by pointing out that previous Chief Justices had retired without such provisions and reiterated that the proposal appeared to be customised for the incumbent.
As the discussion continued, Committee Chair Ahmed Saleem of Eydhafushi constituency concluded the session by stating that further deliberation on the matter would be held in the next committee meeting.