Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has decided to counsel the president against reappointing former Chief Justice Ahmed Faiz Hussain to Supreme Court.
During the JSC meeting held yesterday, discussions were held on the proposal sent by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on appointing Faiz to the vacant position in the Supreme Court judges’ bench. Following the discussions, JSC decided to counsel the president against appointing Faiz due to unconstitutional decisions made during his time as Chief Justice. Citing the report prepared on unconstitutional decisions made by the Supreme Court, JSC stated Faiz had taken part in decisions where the apex court acted outside its jurisdiction and influenced other state institutions.
Former Chief Justice Ahmed Faiz Hussain was the first permanent Chief Justice at Supreme Court. He was removed from the court in 2014, after the parliament passed an amendment to the Judicature Act to reduce the number of judges in Supreme Court from 7 to 5.
Last year, the parliament amended the Judicature Act once again, restoring the number of judges in Supreme Court to 7. Judges currently serving at the court are Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan, Justice Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, Justice Aisha Shujoon Mohamed, Justice Husnu Suood and Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir.