Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has demoted Civil Court Judge Ali Naseer to the position of magistrate.
JSC took disciplinary action against Ali Naseer after concluding its investigation on the action he had taken in relation to a court case. The commission found Ali Naseer had nullified an application for prosecution in a case in order to avoid giving a verdict.
JSC stated Naseer had made the decision in order to remove the court case from the judge's section since the case was a year old, despite both parties in the case requesting that the judge give a verdict. The commission stated the judge's refusal to give a verdict in the case after a period of time was reached is not a valid reason for removing the case from the judge's section.
JSC stated Naseer's action violated judicial principles for ensuring justice within the legal system and undermines the trust in the courthouse. The commission added that Naseer's action paves way for parties to corrupt and influence court decisions.
The JSC committee that investigated Naseer found he has violated the Judicature Act of the Maldives and disciplinary procedure. Therefore, JSC announced Naseer has been demoted from judge to magistrate.