Committee supports to broadcast JSC meetings over commission's objections

Parliament Committee on Independent Institutions has discussed today to amend the Judicial Service Commission Act to allow the media to broadcast the commission's meetings.

The amendment to Article 19 (b) of the Act, proposed by Maafannu-south MP Ibrahim Rasheed states that meetings of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) must be held in a transparent manner. It requires the State media to broadcast the meetings.

Committee members argued that private broadcasters should also be allowed to broadcast the committee meetings. They also noted that meetings related to national security and interests of the society can be restricted from broadcasters. They also said the commission may close off its meetings if it is to discuss a matter involving the rights of a minor.

Secretary General of JSC Aboobakuru Mohamed has written to the parliament criticizing the proposed amendment. In his letter, he said the amendment is against the sources of Islamic Sharia, against the constitution, in contradiction to international best practice and the Bangalore Principles. He argued that the amendment will have a negative affect on the commission’s functioning.

Committee chair Dhidhdhoo MP Ahmed Sameer said they will incorporate the amendment to the Act and forward it to parliament floor in the committee’s next session.

The Independent Institutions Committee continued the debate with only 4 members of the 11 members present. The MPs who were in attendance are Henveyru-south MP Hamid Abdul Gafoor, Maafannu-north MP Imthiyaz Fahumy, Ihavandhoo MP Ahmed Abdulla and the committee chair Dhidhdhoo MP Ahmed Sameer.