The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has enacted and implemented a new regulation granting itself the authority to remove chief judges of courts without citing any reasons.
The Regulation on the Appointment and Removal of Chief Judges to the Courts was published in the Government Gazette this afternoon. While the regulation outlines procedures for the appointment of chief judges, it grants the JSC broad discretionary power regarding their removal.
"The Judicial Service Commission shall have the power to remove a judge from the position of chief judge if the Commission determines that such removal is necessary to improve the administrative efficiency of the courts," Article 8 of the regulation states.
Under the new criteria, the appointment of chief judges will be based on their legal knowledge, social perspective, communication skills, self-confidence, work ethic, administrative capabilities, and problem-solving aptitude.
Eligibility for the position of Chief Judge of a Superior Court is restricted to judges currently serving within that court. Similarly, only magistrates serving within a particular judicial district may apply for the position of Chief Magistrate of that district.
The JSC’s introduction of this regulation comes at a time when the government maintains influence over the Commission's composition. The JSC previously played a key role in the removal of three Supreme Court justices, a move aligned with the government's objectives.
