Evident when judges were most influenced: Usham

The measures taken by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) against judges during the five year term of the previous government and the measures taken during the past year and half since the incumbent administration assumed power clearly show when the judges were most influenced, Attorney General Ahmed Usham said today.

In a post on X, Usham shared statistics on judicial actions taken by JSC from November 2018 to November 2023 as well as from November 2023 until last month.

According to the data, between November 2018 and November 2023, JSC took action against 56 judges. Of them, eight were removed, 12 suspended, and three demoted. Another 33 judges were found guilty of misconduct and had were issued verbal reprimands.

Since November 2023 until last month under the current government, JSC took action against five judges—three suspensions and two admonishments for misconduct.

"When [we] look at the action taken by JSC against judges since 2019 onwards, it is clear when judges were most influenced," Usham's post read.

"It was 2023 onwards that "misconduct" was abolished for the statements judges made in trials."

His remarks come amid controversy over the recent suspension of three Supreme Court justices following a petition to invalidate a constitutional amendment that would strip MPs of their seats for switching parties or joining a party after being elected as an independent candidate.

Justices Husnu Suood, Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, and Mahaz Ali Zahir were suspended claiming there is an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) probe against them. However, ACC has not disclosed the case details to the to the public or to the judges.

JSC later said it is investigating Justices Azmiralda and Mahaz over alleged attempts to influence Criminal Court judges - allegations they have denied. Justice Suood since resigned, also denying any wrongdoing.