AG consults with Supreme Court for judicial watchdog reform
Changing the composition of JSC is a presidential pledge.
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By
Shahudha Mohamed
Attorney General's Office (AG) on Sunday began the consultations for drafting an amendment bill to review the composition of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
AG met officials from JSC and Supreme Court.
These are the first meetings held to seek the views and opinions required to amend Article 158 of the constitution to revise the formation of JSC to ensure that it is transparent and free from political influence. AG’s Office did not provide details of the discussions.
The AG Office said last week that meetings with the Supreme Court, High Court, lower courts, JSC and other relevant authorities would be held to seek the necessary advice on the drafting of the bill.
Current composition of JSC:
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Parliament speaker
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a judge of the Supreme Court other than the Chief Justice, elected by the judges of the Supreme Court
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a judge of the High Court, elected by the judges of the High Court
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a judge of the trial courts, elected by the judges of the trial courts
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a member of the parliament appointed by it
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a member of the general public appointed by the parliament
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Chair of the Civil Service Commission
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a presidential representative
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the Attorney General
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a lawyer elected from among the lawyers licensed to practise in the Maldives by themselves
Although MDP had previously advocated for a change in JSC's composition, parliament speaker Mohamed Nasheed who also serves as the president of the main ruling party said the commission must have some politicians to exert "political power to the extent necessary."
The MDP-controlled parliament had earlier rejected amendments proposed by Mahibadhoo MP Ahmed Thoriq from the opposition to the constitution to exclude politicians from JSC.
