Judicial council to be reformed without political influence, JSC chief says
He said consultations will be held with stakeholders within the judiciary before the structure of the Council is finalised.
President of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Husnee Mubarak, has stated that the Judicial Council will be reconstituted in a manner that excludes political influence.
He said consultations will be held with stakeholders within the judiciary before the structure of the Council is finalised.
The Judicial Council was established in 2010 under the Judicature Act and dissolved in March 2011 following a Supreme Court ruling. The body was responsible for maintaining uniform practices across courts and overseeing administrative functions.
The Council was chaired by the Chief Justice and included the Chief Judge of the High Court, Chief Judges of the Superior Courts, and two magistrates representing courts in the north and south.
At a press conference last week, President Mohamed Muizzu announced plans to restore the Council. He said that placing the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) under the JSC after the Council’s dissolution had created issues within the system.
Speaking on PSM’s ‘Komakolhi’ programme, Husnee said the current arrangement has led to challenges for judges and uncertainty regarding representation of courts.
“Under the current arrangement, the DJA is susceptible to the influence of the JSC. If it is structured to function under a Judicial Council, it will support the independence of the judiciary,” he said.
Husnee said a decision on whether to restore the Council under existing legislation or introduce amendments will be made after consultation with courts and legal experts.
“I am certain that the Judicial Council will be formed in a way that excludes political influence. It will be an institution governed from within the judiciary,” he said.
Former JSC President Hussain Riza also said judicial administration should be managed by the Judicial Council rather than the JSC.
He noted that under the current system, administrative responsibilities are divided among the Chief Justice, the Supreme Court, the DJA, and the JSC, which affects coordination.
Riza said the reconstitution of the Council would clarify responsibilities and place administrative functions under a single body.
He added that judicial administration requires direct involvement of judges to address the needs of the system.
