The Judiciary Committee of Parliament has passed a motion to dismiss four members of the Tax Appeal Tribunal. The tribunal, responsible for adjudicating matters related to the Tax Administration Act and other taxation laws, has been under scrutiny.
The tribunal wields considerable authority, including the power to review and deliberate on cases submitted to it, summon individuals, elicit witness statements, and obtain crucial evidence. However, recent allegations have cast a shadow over its integrity.
The case against the four members originated from a complaint lodged by Ismail Sajidh, another tribunal member. Sajidh raised concerns about the conduct of the other four members, prompting an investigation by the Parliament Judiciary Committee. Behind closed doors, the committee separately interviewed each of the tribunal members, as well as the tribunal’s registrar Abdulla Hilmy.
During Tuesday’s Judiciary Committee meeting, Holhudhoo MP Abdul Sattar Mohamed proposed the removal of the four implicated members. The committee subsequently passed a motion recommending that President Mohamed Muizzu take action.
The members facing the axe include tribunal president Mohamed Munavvar Ali, vice president Hussain Zaidhan Jaleel, and members Ahmed Ashraf and Khadheeja Naeem. The Judiciary Committee also decided to recommend that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigate the allegations against the four members.