Some Supreme Court judges have said the government is obstructing justice with the suspension of three judges and an amendment to the Judicature Act.
Justices Husnu Suood, Mahaz Ali Zahir and Dr. Azmiralda Zahir were suspended today shortly after the People's Majlis approved a government-proposed bill to remove two judges to alter the court's bench from seven to five members.
This came as the apex court was preparing to continue hearings on a constitutional case related to MP disqualification. The full bench of the court must be present to hear constitutional cases.
Two Supreme Court judges told Adhadhu that the government's actions were obstructing the justice system.
"Judges were suspended 10 minutes before the hearing was due to begin. This is an obstruction of justice. They claim that ACC is investigating a case. But they haven't said which case is being investigated," a judge said on condition of anonymity.
The second judge said the government is unlawfully influencing the judiciary while the ACC's investigation of judges is also unlawful.
"The ACC is investigating the case in order to influence the court. We don't even know what case is being investigated. The ACC is investigating the cases unlawfully," the judge said.
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 amendment to the Judicature Act.
According to the bill, the two judges to be removed must be declared incompetent 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.
