Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has proposed amendments to the Retirement Regulation of Judges that would introduce special benefits for a Chief Justice retiring with honour.
Under the proposed changes, a retiring Chief Justice would receive a lump sum payment of MVR 500,000 along with a monthly allowance of MVR 70,000, which includes a travel and living allowance.
Currently, the Judges' Retirement Regulations do not provide any specific benefits for a Chief Justice beyond what is granted to other judges.
According to the existing rules, judges who voluntarily retire at the age of 55 after serving for at least 10 years are eligible for a retirement allowance.
JSC now wants to revise the rules so that the total period of state service not just judicial service would be considered when calculating retirement benefits.
Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan has recently petitioned his retirement to JSC. If the proposed changes are approved, Muthasim who has served as a judge for nine years, six months, and 11 days and has a total of over 24 years of service to the state will receive benefits significantly higher than those currently allowed under the existing regulation.
JSC has submitted the proposed amendments to the Parliament’s Finance Committee for review, sparking a heated debate. Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim supported the idea, stating that a Chief Justice who retires with honour should be treated with dignity by the state.
However, opposition MPs from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) voiced strong objections.
Hulhumale' South MP Dr Mohamed Shamheed criticized the proposal, calling it unworthy and implying that it was part of a questionable deal.
He noted the inconsistency with the government’s earlier stance on reducing state expenditures by lowering retirement benefits. Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa expressed concern over creating a policy tailored for one individual, suggesting instead that the entire retirement system for judges be reviewed comprehensively.
Due to the intensity of the discussion, Committee Chair and PNC MP Ahmed Saleem concluded the meeting. Another session is scheduled for tomorrow to continue deliberations on the matter.
