The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has suspended three Supreme Court judges shortly before the hearing on a petition to quash the constitutional amendment that disqualifies MPs for changing political parties.
JSC confirmed to Adhadhu that Justices Husnu Suood, Mahaz Ali Zahir and Dr. Azmiralda Zahir were suspended.
In November last year, a subsection (e) was added to Article 73 of the Constitution, specifying new conditions for the removal of MPs. Former Kendhoo MP Ali Hussain petitioned the court to quash the amendment.
A hearing of the constitutional case was scheduled for 11:00 am today after Ali requested the court to issue an interim order to suspend procedures for MP disqualification until a final decision is reached in the case.
Meanwhile, the People's Majlis passed an amendment bill today to remove two justices from the Supreme Court bench. This changes the Supreme Court composition into a five-member bench.
The justices were suspended without ratifying the new bill. Last night, the parliament's Counsel General Fathimath Filza advised that it is unfair to investigate and dismiss a judge solely for the purpose of the bill.
According to the bill, the two judges to be removed must be declared unfit for the job and they do not necessarily have to be given an opportunity to respond.
Opposition and legal experts have said the bill is unconstitutional and its only purpose is to exert the government's influence on the courts.
