Hithadhoo Central MP Ahmed Azaan has said he did not vote for the bill to remove two Supreme Court justices because it is unconstitutional.
In a statement after the People's Majlis vote, the ruling party lawmaker said his first priority is the people and national interest.
“This bill is unconstitutional and supporting such a bill is contrary to Article 75 of the Constitution,” he stated.
Azaan said his decision was made after consulting the people of his constituency, legal experts and cabinet ministers.
He noted that a judge can be removed if there is a disciplinary issue by investigating through the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and submitting the matter to the People's Majlis.
The MP said amending the Judicature Act to remove judges is unacceptable especially when the ruling party has a supermajority in the parliament.
He also expressed concern as the amendment bill was proposed while the Supreme Court was hearing a constitutional case on MP disqualification.
Azaan said he remains a pro-government MP but stressed that he would hold the government accountable if it failed to fulfil promises made to the people of his constituency.
