Chief Justice Urges Judges to Uphold Ethical Standards and Public Trust

Chief Justice of the Maldives Supreme Court, Ustaz Abdul Ghani Mohamed, has called on judges to maintain the highest ethical standards both in their official duties and in their private lives to preserve public confidence in the judiciary. Speaking at a ceremony where judges were sworn in, the Chief Justice emphasized the immense responsibility of the judicial role, describing it as a great trust that requires judges to uphold the principles of the Constitution and protect the rights of citizens. He noted that becoming a judge necessitates changes in personal behavior, as the public constantly observes judges' conduct. “You must accept that you may no longer be able to go out at the times you used to. You must realize that spending time with the same people as before may not be appropriate. The public will always be watching how judges behave,” he said. The Chief Justice also highlighted challenges facing the judiciary, including the shortage of judges. He acknowledged that while courts have long complained about delays, some causes are beyond the courts' control. He pointed out that the Judicial Service Commission has been working to address the issue. The remarks come as the judiciary continues efforts to strengthen its integrity and overcome operational difficulties.