Chief Justice of the Maldives Ahmed Muthasim Adnan has retired today.
He sent a letter to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to inform the about the decision. But the JSC has not yet responded.
In February, Muthasim hinted that he would be retiring soon.
"It is likely that I might not be seen in this capacity in such events," he stated.
His retirement comes amid the government's attempt to dismiss two Supreme Court justices. They are Mahaz Ali Zahir and Dr. Azmiralda Zahir.
Azmiralda, Mahaz and Justice Husnu Suood were suspended on February 26, shortly before a hearing on the constitutional case, after the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) fabricated a criminal investigation against them and failed to follow procedures in rushing the letter about the investigation to the JSC.
Suood has since resigned in protest against influence and intimidation by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and his Attorney General (AG) Ahmed Usham.
Azmiralda and Mahaz were dismissed later dismissed after proceedings by a JSC subcommittee.
The JSC launched abrupt proceedings after the Supreme Court began hearing the constitutional amendment that empowers political parties to disqualify MPs for switching parties.
The members of the JSC subcommittee, which recommended the dismissal, are Mohamed Nasih, Yazmeed Mohamed and Ali Abdul Latheef. Nasih and Yazmeed are appointed by Muizzu. Nasih is the Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and Yazmeen is Muizzu's representative on the JSC.
Mahaz and Azmiralda were not allowed to seek the assistance of legal counsel and present evidence and witnesses during the proceedings.
The matter is now at the parliament's Judiciary Committee. Their dismissal will be finalised when the parliament approves.
The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for the suspension of two Supreme Court judges to be lifted and their posts restored.
A UN expert had also expressed concern as the chosen counsel of the justices were not given the opportunity to speak at the disciplinary proceedings.
“The disciplinary proceedings brought against three of the Supreme Court’s Justices appear to violate the principle that judges can only be dismissed on serious grounds of misconduct or incompetence and in accordance with fair procedures guaranteeing objectivity and impartiality as provided for by the Constitution or the law,” said Margaret Satterthwaite, the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers.
“The pressure of suspensions, disciplinary proceedings and investigations may amount to an interference in the independence of this institution.”
