This is Supreme Court's most productive year: Chief Justice

Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan, on Friday, stated that since its establishment 12 years ago, the Supreme Court had scheduled and delivered verdicts on the highest number of cases this year, stating that by his evaluation such progress demonstrated their comparative success.

Delivering his special address on the apex court's twelfth anniversary, the Chief Justice declared that newly implemented efforts for judicial reform, with the cooperation and counsel of the incumbent Supreme Court bench were proving to be "triumphant".

According to Muthasim, the Supreme Court concluded an average of 24 cases per annum, within its first 11 years. However, during the last year, he noted that the court delivered verdicts for a total of 49 cases.

The Chief Justice further added that the court deliberated and accepted 13 cases, in addition to conducting hearings for five procedural cases.

Moreover, he noted that the court held 251 hearings from September 18, 2019, to September 18, 2020.

"This is a 73.4 percent increase compared to the average of past years", he said, commending the efforts of the court's judges and staff members in achieving the result.

"Our aim is to continue working at our best, despite the limited resources, and reform the Supreme Court as a responsible institution that yields results in ensuring justice".

Referring to publicising online hearings held via video conferencing and posting audio clips of court sessions, the Chief Justice Muthasim also spoke of the court's newfound experience in conducting transparent trials.

Although trials are currently held online due to the preventive measures implemented to curb the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, he added that efforts are underway to publicise future sessions held at the courthouse as well.

Chief Justice Muthasim concluded his address reiterating the Supreme Court's aim of becoming a trusted institution through which the people can access justice.

The Supreme Court's bench was completely replaced during President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration, after judges on the former bench were removed over serious allegations.

In addition to Chief Justice Muthasim, the current Supreme Court bench consists of Judge Husnu al Suood, Judge Dr Azmiralda Zahir, Judge Aisha Shujoon Mohamed, Judge Mahaaz Ali Zahir, Judge Ali Rasheed Hussain and Judge Mohamed Ibrahim.