MALE: Maldives Judges Association has called on the People’s Majlis, Maldives legislative council, to amend the constitution to prevent Judicial Services Commission exerting undue pressure on Judges and Magistrates of the Judiciary.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Judges Association held on Friday night at Islamic Center, the association’s president and Judge of the Civil Court Mohamed Naeem expressed that the way the Judicial Services Commission is formed is a matter of great concern for the association and that even during the constitutional reform process this was discussed at length.

“The way the judicial services commission is formed under the constitution, people who not directly involved with the works carried out by Judges and magistrates can exert undue influence and pressure” Judge Naeem said.

He said the Judicial Services Commission in its present capacity is a potential threat to Judges and magistrates to remain, in service, in courts. He said recent transfers and shuffling of Judges from one to another was ample proof of this fact and that if such action were to continue, it will extinguish the spirit and demoralize the Judges.

“The constitution needs to be amended, for us to work with confidence and that confidence only comes when the security of our jobs are ensured” Civil Court Judge Naeem said.

The President of the Maldives Judges Association Naeem then called on the People’s Majlis to amend the constitution and ensure that majority of the Judicial Services Commission is given to Judges and magistrates and not to people who are not related to the Judiciary.

During the transitional phase, Judicial Services Commission comprises of a judge elected from Supreme Court, a judge elected from High Court, a judge elected from lower court, an MP elected from the Majlis, a member of the public, President of the Civil Service Commission, Presidential Appointee and a lawyer elected to the commission by the lawyers themselves. With the end of the transitional phase, the Judicial Services Commission, in addition to the above components, comprises of Speaker of the People’s Majlis and Attorney General.

Commenting on the criticisms of the judges and magistrates, Naeem said all and any constructive criticisms would be welcome. However, he said such criticisms should not affect their rights and their dignity.

Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed also spoke at the ceremony. In his speech, Chief Justice said the country’s development and progress is dependent on an independent judiciary. He said law and order and justice would not prevail without political stability and an independent judiciary. Chief Justice also said an independent judiciary was essential to the country economic and social development.

The inaugural ceremony of the Maldives Judges Association was attended by Prosecutor General and Attorney General.