Pres has taken steps to assure independent judiciary: Chief Justice

Chief Justice Abdul Ghanee Mohamed stated last night that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has taken firm steps in assuring a free and independent judiciary as envisioned in the Constitution.

At the opening ceremony of the Judicial Year 2026, the Chief Justice expressed gratitude over the steps taken by the President, stating the judiciary did not receive the attention and priority it needed in the past. With the President in attendance at the ceremony, he also stated that due to this, the obstacles that came about had turned into risks.

These obstacles and risks are being brought to the attention of the President responsibly, and that the President has worked to solve these issues in his capacity as a leader much faster than estimated, said the Chief Justice while offering his praise.

The Chief Justice highlighted the arrangement of a grant via a certain percentage of the state's revenue in order to make the judiciary an independent and satisfactory industry that can stand on its own two feet.

As per the Chief Justice, it is a huge achievement considering the long history of the sector.

"We see this decision as an important step taken by the President in bringing about the freedom and independence to the courthouse that is envisioned in the Constitution. The courthouse views the President's decision with gratitude," said the Chief Justice.

And so, the Chief Justice thanked the President on behalf of all the judges and employees.

The Chief Justice went on to say that the employees of the judiciary have been receiving a very minor salary and that it still has not been reviewed all this time. Due to that, he said that it has become a challenge to keep individuals who are academically capable.

The Chief Justice gratefully highlighted the government steps in working out the issue, by reviewing the remuneration of judiciary employees and solving concerns that were raised by said employees.

"All the employees in the judiciary express their gratitude in the President's actions to prioritize the sector," said the Chief Justice.

The biggest risk to the judiciary is a lack of space in the courts, said the Chief Justice. While a significant amount of time has passed without a solution, employees and judges in the courts have been working in an unsuitable environment, according to the Chief Justice.

The Chief Justice went on to say that the High Court, Supreme Court and even the former Presidential Palace (Theemuge) are not exempt from this.

During the ceremony, the Chief Justice spoke of the undesirable situations at the Family, Civil and Juvenile Courts. The Chief Justice also highlighted how the state of the Criminal Court has degraded, where a sizable section of the court is currently unusable.

As per the Chief Justice, the current government has expedited the construction of the building at Hulhumale' as a solution.

The Chief Justice continued by stating that the President has facilitated a path in solving the issue hastily, with the construction of the building already having finished and currently being in use. With that, the Criminal Court now has a decent amount of space, with more meeting rooms and even a 12th judge having been appointed.

"And so, I would like to thank the President on behalf of all Maldivian judges for the priority that was given," said the Chief Justice.

The Chief Justice said that hearing the President state that the work regarding the court complex will begin this year brought courage and hope.