JSC requests court to expedite decision on procedural issues

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has requested the High Court to expedite its decision on the procedural issues raised by the commission, in relation to the case filed by the legal team of former President Mohamed Nasheed questioning the legitimacy of the judges appointed by the commission to preside over the case on the alleged illegal arrest of Chief Judge of Criminal Court Abdullah Mohamed.

A letter sent to High Court by Zoona Mohamed, Deputy Legal Officer and Acting Secretary General of JSC, highlights that Nasheed presented his response to the procedural points raised by the commission, at the last session of the trial.

The letter also states that the court had announced that it would make a decision on the issue shortly after Nasheed presents his response to the procedural issues; however, seven days later, the court had still not announced the next session of the trial.

The procedural issue raised by JSC states that the Hulhumale’ Court bench was appointed based on the advice of the Supreme Court, which is equal to verdics of the Supreme Court; however, Nasheed’s legal team has argued that advice of the Supreme Court cannot be deemed equal to verdicts of the Supreme Court.