Parliament approves amendment requiring degree qualification for magistrates
Under the existing law, a diploma-level qualification in judicial studies is sufficient to serve as a magistrate in island courts.
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Parliament on Monday passed a bill amending the Judiciary Act to require island court magistrates to hold a degree-level qualification. Those currently without a degree will be given five years to complete the requirement.
The amendment, proposed by PNC MP Saudulla Hilmy on behalf of the government in June, was reviewed by the Judiciary Committee and passed with 64 votes in favour.
Under the existing law, a diploma-level qualification in judicial studies is sufficient to serve as a magistrate in island courts. The amendment raises this requirement to a degree level for appointments to both magistrate and higher courts.
When first introduced, the bill allowed diploma holders to remain eligible and did not include a timeframe for upgrading qualifications. The Judiciary Committee revised the bill to introduce a five-year transitional period for serving magistrates to complete a degree.
According to the amendment:
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Magistrates holding only a diploma must enrol in a degree programme within one year of the amendment coming into effect.
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The degree must be completed within five years.
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The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) will assess compliance.
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Those who fail to meet the requirement without a valid reason will have their positions declared vacant.
The committee noted that the change was made following input from the JSC, the courts, and members of the public.
The bill also restates that judges of the Supreme Court, High Court, and Magistrate Courts must hold degree-level qualifications.
The amendment will take effect upon ratification by President Mohamed Muizzu and publication in the Government Gazette.
