Judges must be role models in and out of court: JSC President Riza

Judges should be role models for society and uphold the highest standards of conduct both in and outside the courtroom, Judicial Service Commission (JSC) President Hussain Riza Adam said.

Speaking at a ceremony held at the Supreme Court to appoint former Civil Court judge Abdulla Jameel Moosa to the High Court, Riza said he wished to impart three guiding principles to judges:

- Be researchers

- Fulfil responsibilities faithfully

- Serve as role models for the entire community

Riza said that judges must be passionate about their work and committed to continuous learning instead of treating it as just a job.

“Presiding over trials is something you can’t do to the fullest unless you have a passion for it, a love for it, and a heart for it,” he said.

He added that judges should be well-versed in the law and stay updated on legal developments.

“Judges must study changes in legislation, new laws, decisions from higher courts, international treaties, and the judicial systems of other countries.”

According to Riza, proper research makes judicial decision-making easier and helps ensure justice is delivered accurately and fairly.

He also spoke about the sacred responsibility of the judiciary under Islamic Sharia.

“The judicial position is one of great trust and accountability. In Islam, al-Adl "justice" is one of the names of Allah, showing how highly the religion values the judicial system.”

Riza added that the integrity of the judiciary depends on the personal conduct of judges.

“Whether inside the courtroom or interacting with others outside, judges must always act with respect, dignity, and exemplary behavior,” he said.

He urged judges to remain mindful of their ethics and behavior, reminding them that the future of society rests in their hands.