The Parliament of Maldives has appealed the Supreme Court of Maldives to refrain from influencing independent institutions, such as Judicial Service Commission (JSC), from upholding the decision to suspend Judge Abdulla Didi. The appeal was passed unanimously by 64 parliamentarians.
During the debate process opened for the report submitted by Parliamentary Committee on Judicial Reform, claiming the decision of JSC as legal, parliamentarians widely criticised the Supreme Court and its bench. The report, submitted by the committee after reviewing the matter, reiterated the validity of the decision to suspend Judge Didi, calling the parliament to advise the Supreme Court to refrain from influencing decisions made by independent institutions.
During the debate, several parliamentarians called to speed up the advisory process. In this regard, Parliamentarian Meekail Ahmed Naseem mentioned the only mandated institution that can hold JSC accountable is the parliament and not the Supreme Court.
Furthermore, Parliament Ibrahim Waheed noted while the public have concerns over the matter and are raising questions over the legitimacy of the courtrooms, it is crucial to reform the courts of law.
Debating on the matter, Parliamentarian Ahmed Thoriq spoke in favour of the report, stating the parliament can solve disputes between two institutions of the state. In this regard, highlighting the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have the numbers in parliament to immediately amend necessary laws and regulations to solve the matter, Thoriq called to never give any chance to create chaos in the country.
Moreover, Chairperson of MDP, Parliamentarian Hassan Latheef added the Supreme Court cannot declare decisions of JSC are invalid before the conclusion of an ongoing investigation.
In addition, chair of the judicial committee, Parliamentarian Imthiyaz Fahmy noted the courts need immediate reform to ensure rights of the citizens.
Meanwhile, Parliamentarian Ali Hussain expressed laws and regulations as it is now cannot solve the matter, highlighting amendments are in need.
Some parliamentarians also called to appoint new judges to the Supreme Court bench, claiming the current bench are taking advantage of a constitutional clause which states the Supreme Court is the highest court of Maldives.