Judges hold only powers granted by law, Chief Justice says

Chief Justice Abdul Ghani Mohamed has said that judges should only exercise the judicial powers granted to them by law and not assume authority beyond those limits.

He made the remarks at the swearing-in ceremony of Ibrahim Mahir, who was appointed as a High Court judge on Thursday. Mahir took his oath before Supreme Court Justice Abdulla Hameed.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Justice said that while courts must provide a proper working environment for the public and lawyers seeking services, this responsibility does not lie solely with the judges.

“Being a judge or a senior court official does not give you much power or authority over others. The only powers that judges have are the powers they are given by law,” the Chief Justice said.

He added that a good working environment should exist not only in courts but across all agencies. “If an agency is accepted and praised by the public for the services it provides, it means that the working environment is at the right level,” he said.

The Chief Justice noted that to build public trust in judicial services, it is important to strengthen both the work environment and work ethic within the courts.