The Democrats stated last night that the submission of a bill to parliament seeking to decrease the number of judges on the Supreme Court bench is an attempt to influence the court.
The Democrats stated last night that the submission of a bill to parliament seeking to decrease the number of judges on the Supreme Court bench is an attempt to influence the court.
The Democrats said that the submission of this bill, after the government previously rejected accusations of wanting to change the Supreme Court bench, appears to be an act to influence the Supreme Court and the judiciary.
They highlighted how the submission of this bill has come at a time when the Supreme Court is hearing a case on the recent amendments to the Constitution.
The Democrats initially intervened in the case, but later changed their decision based on a difference of opinion within the party.
The Democrats said that the practice of court packing is a political tactic frequently used in countries where the government aims to take control of the apex court, adding that some governments who wish to act against democratic norms adopt the use of this at times.
The party also said that at other times, this is used when the court is acting beyond its powers.
They asserted that democracy in Maldives cannot thrive unless separation of powers is practiced without one branch of the State overreaching the powers of any other branch.
The Supreme Court Judges' bench currently consists of Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan, Judge HusnuSuood, Judge Azmiralda Zahir, Judge Mahaz Ali Zahir, Judge Aisha Shujune Mohamed, Judge Dr Mohamed Ibrahim and Judge Ali Rasheed.
A bill has been submitted to Parliament proposing that the number of Supreme Court Judges be decreased from seven to five. The bill was proposed as a private submission by ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MP for Holhudhoo AbduSattar Mohamed.
Sattar cited his belief that the 'aspirations' of the Maldivian people can be reached through changing the Supreme Court to its previous status as his reasoning for the submitting the bill.
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