JSC denies targeting judges as High Court probes continue

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) said on Friday that it is not targeting any specific judge or court in its ongoing disciplinary investigations and will only proceed with cases after verifying the information submitted and examining all relevant facts.

The statement comes after public criticism on social media concerning the JSC’s decision to investigate five High Court judges.

Former Supreme Court Justice Husnu Suood, who resigned after being suspended by the JSC, alleged earlier that the government was attempting to influence the Supreme Court and that the investigations were politically motivated. Suood said the judges were being investigated without basis and that the actions were designed to increase control over the judiciary.

In its statement, the JSC said it was not accurate or responsible to suggest that judges from a particular court were being investigated with special focus.

“The commission focuses on the complaint and the evidence presented in connection with it, not on the identity of a particular judge or court,” the statement said.

The JSC said it is responsible for ensuring public trust in the Maldivian judiciary and the delivery of justice. To fulfil this mandate, the commission investigates complaints, monitors judicial performance, provides training and takes measures to ensure the safety and security of judges.

“The commission does not pursue disciplinary cases because a judge belongs to a particular court,” it said. “No disciplinary case will be decided unless supported by verified information.”

The JSC provided statistics to support its position. According to the commission:

The JSC is currently investigating a disciplinary case involving High Court Judge Mohamed Niyaz, who recently resigned as Vice-President of the JSC and has submitted his retirement. Niyaz is the longest-serving judge on the High Court bench.

The other High Court judges under investigation are:

The JSC said further announcements will be made as cases progress.