Bill submitted to increase number of High Court judges to 11

An amendment to Courts Act has been submitted to the People’s Majlis, which will increase the number of High Court judges from nine to 11.

The amendment was submitted by Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah.

First Reading of the bill is scheduled to take place during the People’s Majlis sitting next Monday.

Article 27 of Courts Act states the number of High Court judges – including the chief judge – as nine.

MP Falah’s bill will amend the Article 27 and increase the number of High Court judges to 11.

MP Falah said the reason for the bill was the shortage of judges at the High Court divisions established in the north and south of the country.

Three of the nine High Court judges have been transferred to the southern division – one of whom – Esmeralda Zahir – has retired.

An additional High Court judge – Abbas Shareef has also retired – lowering the number of High Court judges currently in service to seven.