
Govt proposes amendments requiring ex-judges to declare financial statements
Presently, judges who resign or are dismissed are not required to submit such statements.
The government has proposed amendments to the Judiciary Act to require former judges to submit financial statements, including those of their immediate family members, after leaving office.
The amendment bill was submitted to Parliament by Progressive National Congress (PNC) MP Saudullah Hilmiy, representing the Thinadhoo North constituency, on behalf of the government.
The proposed amendment seeks to clarify and expand the requirements under Section 68 of the current Judiciary Act, which mandates sitting judges to submit annual statements of assets, liabilities, and income to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Presently, judges who resign or are dismissed are not required to submit such statements.
Under the proposed changes:
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Judges must submit a financial declaration, including income, assets, and liabilities, to the JSC within three months of assuming office.
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While in office, judges must continue to submit such declarations annually.
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Judges who resign or leave office for any reason will be required to submit details of income, assets, and liabilities as of the date of resignation within three months.
Additionally, the bill introduces a requirement for judges to include the financial statements of their spouse, direct dependent children, and any other dependents when submitting their own declarations. This element is not addressed in the current law.
If passed, the provisions of the amendment would take effect within three months from the date of presidential assent.