MDP MP submits resolution on removal of Supreme Court judges over unsubstantiated allegations

A resolution has been submitted to the People’s Majlis regarding the case in which judges of the Supreme Court were removed from office based on alleged criminal charges. The resolution was submitted by Mohamed Ibrahim, Member of Parliament for the North Gaolhu constituency of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The first reading of the resolution was delivered during today’s session of the Majlis. While serving as judges of the Supreme Court, Mahaz Ali Zahir and Azmiral Dha Zahir were removed from office on 14 May 2025 after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) reviewed their disciplinary cases and recommended their removal to the Majlis. However, on the eighth day of this month, the Office of the Prosecutor General (PGO) stated that there was insufficient evidence to file criminal charges against them in the case forwarded by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) requesting such charges, and that the case was returned last September on the 10th. A similar process was carried out against Husnussuud, who was then serving as a judge of the Supreme Court, but he resigned from his judicial position on 4 March 2025. The resolution states that more than a year has passed since two of the three Supreme Court judges were removed from office following allegations of misuse of influence, and that after examining evidence and corroboration, it appeared no criminal offense had occurred, leading the PGO to decide on 30 September last not to file criminal charges. Thus, it is revealed that these judges were removed from office based on unsubstantiated allegations. The resolution also notes that the law concerning judges states a judge should not be removed from office unless they fail to adhere to ethical standards and procedures required of judges while performing their duties, and that a person holding the position of judge can only be removed if the JSC determines the person is unfit for the position or has engaged in conduct unsuitable for the position, upon recommendation to the People’s Majlis for approval. The resolution states that the PGO’s decision not to file charges reveals that the Supreme Court judges were removed based on unsubstantiated allegations, and that the JSC must bear responsibility and be held accountable for removing judges of the country’s highest court based solely on one allegation. The resolution was submitted to determine the stance of Majlis members on this matter, in order to fulfill the constitutional duty of the People’s Majlis to oversee how executive powers are exercised and ensure accountability.