One-and-a-half months have passed since the Supreme Court was paralysed

Apr 15, 2025, 3:47 AM
Adhadhu File Photo.

Adhadhu File Photo.

One and a half months have passed since three Supreme Court justices were suspended in a way which obstructs a constitutional case on MP disqualification.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) suspended Justices Azmiralda Zahir, Husnu Suood and Mahaz Ali Zahir on February 26.

Suood has since resigned from his post to protest the intimidation of judges and a new justice was recently appointed to the apex court.

Constitutional cases can only be heard by the full bench of the Supreme Court. The bench is currently short of two justices and cannot hear constitutional cases.

Additionally, the cases assigned to Mahaz and Azmiralda have also been stalled. This means that relatively few cases can be heard in the court at the moment.

The Supreme Court last heard a case eight days ago, with the last one before that held almost a month ago. Only five hearings have been held since the suspensions.

The justices were suspended abruptly, as they were preparing for a hearing on the constitutional case on MP disqualification.

Only 13 minutes notice was issued before JSC held a meeting to decide on their suspension. No representative of the courts was able to attend the meeting.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Abdulla Shahid arrested over alleged sexual assault

Former Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid was arrested following allegations of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old. Police took Shahid into custody after searching his residence in Hulhumale'. Shahid has denied the claims, calling them a baseless attempt at political character assassination.

MDP submits resolution for referendum over Rasmale' deal

The MDP has submitted a resolution to the Maldivian Parliament seeking a public referendum on the Rasmalé project. The vote would decide whether to grant land to a UAE-based firm for a development allowing foreign residency. The party argues that the long-term implications for national interests require direct public consultation.

Court orders Adhadhu to surrender passwords for seized devices

The Criminal Court has ordered Adhadhu newsroom to provide passwords for four seized MacBooks following a police raid over the "Aisha" documentary. Data extraction must occur before a media commission representative to protect legal privilege. The court emphasized that any evidence gathered must remain confidential and specific to the case.

Rasmale' deal could end Maldivian identity: Jameel

Former VP Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed warns that leasing Rasmalé land to a UAE firm for 99 years threatens the Maldives' identity. He claims international law will force the nation to allow religious freedom and temples for foreign residents, effectively ending the country's status as a sovereign entity defined by a single religion.

Former Chairman of Dhiraagu passes away

Rilwan Shareef, the former Chairman of Dhiraagu and a veteran state official, has passed away while receiving treatment at IGMH. Throughout his distinguished career, he served as a State Minister and held leadership roles at Villa Air and the Maldives Stock Exchange. Details regarding the cause of his death have not been disclosed.

Government workforce increased by 6500 in three years

The government workforce grew by 6,530 employees over the last three years, reaching a total of 55,466. This rapid recruitment has driven the national wage bill to a projected MVR 14.4 billion for next year. The current administration's hiring rate significantly outpaces the previous three-year period.

Rasmale' is an economic concept, says Salaf President

Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed Ibrahim, President of Jamiyyathul Salaf, clarified that the Rasmalé project is an economic concept rather than a plan to settle non-Muslims. He dismissed claims of religious concerns as political distortion, emphasizing that the area is intended for high-income residents with legal safeguards in place.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox