JSC advises against participating in efforts to obstruct the commission's responsibilities

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has advised all groups not to participate in efforts to obstruct the commission from carrying out its responsibilities and duties as prescribed in the Constitution and laws.

This comes after Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) held a protest yesterday, claiming that JSC tries to impose undue influence on judges.

JSC said in a statement issued today, that its efforts to fulfil its duties as required by the law cannot be deemed as efforts to influence and intimidate judges, and that there is no legal or constitutional purview that allows this interpretation.

JSC noted that it is part of the constitutional and legal responsibilities of the commission to probe complaints related to judges, take action against them when necessary, and propose to the relevant authorities to dismiss them when necessary.

JSC also responded to concerns voiced by MDP after JSC summoned and obtained a statement from the chief judge of High Court while a case related for former President Mohamed Nasheed was in progress in High Court.

JSC said that it is not a problem, while a complaint against a judge is under investigation, for the judge to proceed to preside over a case filed to the court at which he works questioning a decision by the commission. JSC also said that there is no legal or constitutional reason that obstructs the commission’s efforts to investigate and make decisions regarding complaints filed against the judge afterwards, which are not related to the case being presided over by the judge.