Focus of probes is evidence, not specific judges: JSC

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has stated that the focus of their investigations is not on who the judge involved may be, but rather on the evidence and complaints submitted. 

The JSC made this statement in response to criticism received from a number of former judges and the public regarding a probe they have launched against five judges of the High Court. 

The judges who are currently being investigated by the JSC are the High Court's current longest-serving judge, Judge Mohamed Niyaz, Judge Mohamed Faisal, Judge Hussain Mazeed, Judge Fathimath Faruheeza and Judge Dheebanaaz Fahmy. 

In a statement issued last night, the JSC said that probes into disciplinary cases do not hinge on a judge's court but on the complaints filed. 

They asserted that regardless of which court the concerned Judge may be serving in, the commission seeks information in line with the Constitution and laws and assess all necessary factors before deciding on pursuing disciplinary cases against a judge. 

So far this year, the JSC has received 176 disciplinary complaints, pursued 57, and confirmed misconduct in 3.4 percent cases, with action taken. The JSC said tonight that this involved six judges. 

"This is a small percentage when taking into consideration the amount of complaints received by the commission," JSC said.