News DeskMALE’, Maldives — President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu has sent back a contentious bill to the Majlis, refusing to ratify a measure that would cut the number of Supreme Court judges from seven to five. The decision, announced Tuesday by the President’s Office, comes 13 days after the bill’s passage on Feb. 26. It’s a rare pushback against the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) — though it is not a rebuke at all.
The legislation, introduced by Abdul Sattar Mohammed, a PNC lawmaker from the Holhudhoo constituency, was fast-tracked through parliament, passing within two days of its introduction. In a roll-call vote, nine opposition members from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) voted against it. Had it been enacted, the amendment to the Courts Act would have required the removal of two sitting Supreme Court justices within 12 days, reducing the bench to five.
The President’s Office did not give specific reasons for returning the bill, saying only that it needed reconsideration. But the move follows concerns raised during parliamentary debate, including an opinion from Fatima Filza, the parliamentary counsel general. She warned that forcing a competency review through the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to remove justices could be seen as unfair.
The bill’s passage has stirred controversy, coinciding with a pending Supreme Court case challenging a separate constitutional change. That case seeks to that strips lawmakers of their seats if they leave or are expelled from their party. Critics say the timing of the judicial reduction suggests an attempt to shape the court’s composition ahead of a ruling.
The judiciary is already facing upheaval. Justice Husnu Sood resigned on March 4. His resignation came after the court began deliberating on the constitutional amendment regarding lawmakers’ seats. Three justices—Sood, Mahaz Ali Zahir, and Dr. Azmiralda Zahir—were placed under investigation following a midnight complaint filed with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) took up the matter shortly after midnight, swiftly launching an investigation and calling for a meeting within minutes. Meanwhile, a smear campaign surfaced on social media, targeting Justice Aisha Shujoon and questioning whether women can serve as judges under Islamic Sharia.
Targeting these four justices leaves only two others besides the Chief Justice, who has already announced his intention to retire. That leaves Justice Ali Rasheed, who is also likely to retire soon, and finally, Justice Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim.
With the bill now back in parliament’s hands, the battle over the Supreme Court’s size may be over, but its independence—is far from over.
