JSC panel recommends removing Civil Court Judge Abdulla Ihsaan despite no evidence of alleged offence

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) inquiry committee has decided by consensus to recommend to Parliament the removal of Civil Court Judge Abdulla Ihsaan from his post, even as information indicates there is no evidence to support the allegations against him. Sun has learned that the decision was taken at the JSC investigation committee meeting held on the 12th of this month. The committee's decision states that Judge Ihsaan's actions contravene Article 40-5 (a) and (b) sub-clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Judges' Act of the Maldives. Accordingly, under Article 32-1 (a) number 4 of the Judicial Service Commission Act, the committee resolved to recommend his removal from the position of Civil Court Judge to the People's Majlis. Although the case had been rumoured to involve a sexual harassment allegation, a reliable source confirmed to Sun that the employee who filed the complaint has twice told the Commission that Judge Abdulla Ihsaan did not sexually harass her. The employee also stated that she never claimed any harassment occurred, and that the story was based on a perception at the time. Sun was also informed that there is no evidence relating to the offence with which the judge is accused, and no such account has been received either from the complainant employee or from other employees summoned before the Commission. Earlier, when Judge Ihsaan was suspended, rumours circulated that the move was linked to an order he had issued against Laguna Sports Club. However, the Judicial Service Commission later denied this in a press release.