In a decisive move to uphold the sanctity of the judiciary, the People’s Majlis has voted to remove Supreme Court Justices Dr. Azmiralda Zahir and Uz. Mahaz Ali Zahir from office. The action follows an extensive investigation by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) into allegations of judicial misconduct and abuse of authority.
Breach of Judicial Ethics
The JSC’s inquiry centered on accusations that Justice Azmiralda attempted to influence a criminal court proceeding concerning her husband’s arrest. Evidence revealed that Justice Mahaz, a colleague and close associate, contacted Judge Sofwath Habeeb—his cousin’s child and a judge at the Criminal Court—seeking information about the case after the suspect’s release. Judge Sofwath subsequently reached out to Judge Ibrahim Zihunee, who presided over the detention hearing, raising concerns about undue interference in the judicial process.
The JSC concluded that both justices’ actions constituted a serious breach of judicial ethics, undermining public confidence in the judiciary. The commission’s report emphasized that such conduct is incompatible with the responsibilities entrusted to Supreme Court justices.
Parliamentary Consensus
During the parliamentary session, separate votes were conducted for each justice’s removal. Both Dr. Azmiralda and Uz. Mahaz received 68 votes in favor of dismissal, with 11 members opposing the motion. The Judiciary Committee affirmed that the JSC had adhered to all necessary procedures in its investigation and recommendation for removal.
Implications for Judicial Independence
The removal of two Supreme Court justices marks a significant moment in the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to strengthen judicial accountability. While some international observers have expressed concerns about the potential impact on judicial independence, the Parliament’s decisive action underscores a commitment to upholding ethical standards within the judiciary.
Justice Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, appointed to the Supreme Court in 2019, was the first woman to serve as Acting Chief Justice in the Maldives. Her tenure has been noted for both her trailblazing role and the controversies that ultimately led to her dismissal. Justice Uz. Mahaz Ali Zahir, also appointed in 2019, faced scrutiny for his involvement in the case concerning Justice Azmiralda’s husband.
A Step Towards Restoring Public Trust
The Parliament’s action sends a clear message that no individual is above the law, and that the integrity of the judiciary must be preserved. By addressing misconduct at the highest levels, the Maldives takes a crucial step toward restoring public trust in its legal institutions and reinforcing the principles of justice and accountability.
