Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan has stated that a state can only be governed effectively, and the rights of its people assured, if all branches of the government upholds the law with sincerity. He made the statement while addressing at the Judicial Year 2025 inauguration ceremony held at the Islamic Centre.
Delivering the judicial statement at the event, which was inaugurated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the Chief Justice emphasised that the judiciary is implementing key measures to address various issues within the courts, while also upholding the law. He acknowledged the assistance provided by various institutions in these efforts, and expressed confidence that judges would continue to work with wisdom and integrity to uphold the rule of law in the Maldives.
“These efforts to strengthen the judiciary will succeed only if the executive branch, legislative branch, independent institutions and commissions and those in positions of authority work together to foster public confidence in maintaining the rule of law,—which is the mission of the judiciary— and create peace within the society,” he stated.
The Chief Justice further acknowledged the role played by technology in expediting trials last year, and expressed hope that the use of technology will be adopted similarly this year. He further stated that the judicial sector saw significant technological advancements over the last year, including conducting trials online, which have accelerated the pace of judicial processes. He reiterated that the adoption of artificial intelligence, technology and modern resources will further advance the judicial sector this year.
At the event, the Chief Justice also acknowledged the efforts undertaken by all judges within the system.
“The rights of the people can only be ensured by upholding the rule of law. There is a huge responsibility of the three powers of the state as well as offices and institutions. I also extend my appreciation to the 182 judges currently serving in the judiciary for their tireless efforts to establish justice and peace,” the Chief Justice further said.
Speaking at the event, President of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Hussain Riza Adam also acknowledged that concerns regarding the delays in conducting trials as the most pressing concern regarding the judiciary. He announced that this year, relevant authorities would work to identify the reason for the delays and implement measures to expedite the process.
Riza said one of the reasons for delays include cancellations after a hearing has already been scheduled. To address this, added efforts will be undertaken to identify the reason for cancellations and reduce cancellations. In this regard, the JSC will review cancellation statistics quarterly and take steps accordingly, he said.
Riza further stated that certain provisions in the Civil Procedure Act ratified in 2021 further contribute to significant delays. While proposed amendments to the law have already been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office, changes to the law will speed up civil case proceedings by 60 percent, he stated.
The JSC President also highlighted ongoing efforts to advance the judicial sector. These include plans to construct a new court complex to address space constraints will be built, as well as salary increments for judicial sector employees, he announced.
The ceremony included the official recognition of a long-serving judge for the honourable retirement from service.
The annual ceremony to inaugurate the Judicial Year reflects on the achievements of the judiciary over the past year and sets goals for the upcoming year. This event provides an opportunity to learn from previous experiences and fosters interaction among judges and judicial sector employees.
For the past eight years, special events have been organised to mark the inauguration of the Judicial Year, with the exception of 2021. In this regard, the national-level symposium titled “Judicial Symposium” held annually to improve the functioning of the judiciary would also be conducted this year. This year's symposium is dedicated to islamic financing and reconciling judicial and administrative practices in courts.