Statutory reform bill proposes downsizing the Supreme Court Bench

A bill for amending Maldives Courts Act has been proposed by MP Ibrahim Shareef, representing Maradhoo Constituency at the People’s Majlis, which, if passed, would see the number of Justices at the Supreme Court of the Maldives decrease from 7 to 5.

The amendment proposal also stipulates that two branches of the High Court of Maldives should be established, one in the northern region and the other in the southern region, of the country within 90 days of the amendment coming to effect.

Currently, all appeals from magistrate courts in the islands must come to Malé, where the High Court sits.

According to the amendment proposal, the Supreme Court would decide where exactly the branches of the High Court would be established. Also, the proposal states that Supreme Court would appoint Judges for the new branches of High Court.

First Reading of the amendment bill was completed today, although debates did not begin.