The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on Wednesday suspended three Supreme Court justices shortly before a scheduled hearing on a petition challenging the constitutionality of a recent amendment to the constitution that strips lawmakers of their seats if they leave or are expelled from the party under which they were elected.
The JSC suspended Justices Husnu Al Suood, Mahaz Ali Zahir and Dr Aishath Azmiralda Zahir. The decision came just as the apex court was about to begin a hearing on the petition filed by former MP Ali Hussain, who seeks an injunction to halt any removal proceedings against MPs until the Supreme Court rules on the matter. The hearing was subsequently cancelled following the suspension of the justices.
In a press release, the JSC stated that the judges were suspended in connection with an ongoing investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
The suspensions also follow the passage of a bill in parliament reducing the number of Supreme Court judges from seven to five, a move that effectively forces the removal of two justices.
Counsel General of Parliament Fathimath Filza on Tuesday cautioned against investigating and dismissing judges solely for the purpose of implementing the bill, describing it as unfair.
Under the new law, the two justices removed must be declared unfit for office. The legislation does not require judges to be given an opportunity to respond before being deemed incompetent.
The move has drawn widespread criticism, with legal experts warning that the government is seeking to exert direct influence over the judiciary.