Chief Justice: I did not threaten the Supreme Court SG, merely advised him

Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi has refuted the allegation he threatened the Supreme Court’s secretary-general Dr. Hussain Faiz.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) had opened an inquiry against the Chief Justice over the allegation last Tuesday.

According to JSC, the Chief Justice is accused of instructing Dr. Faiz against implementing the regulations and policies established by the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) in light of the legislative amendments to the Judicature Act, intimidating him, obstructing the execution of his official duties, intimidating him, and threatening to fire him if he did not comply.

“The Supreme Court’s secretary-general was warned against any communication with Department of Judicial Administration (DJA). The Supreme Court’s secretary-general was accused of co-conspiring to stage a coup with the DJA, and was threatened with immediate dismissal if found to have engaged in any form of communication with the DJA,” reads JSC’s statement regarding its decision to open inquiry into the Chief Justice.

The Chief Justice refuted the allegation in a statement this Wednesday.

He said that the JSC’s statement was misleading and perverted the truth of the matter.

He said had never threatened Dr. Nazeer, but had advised him for actions which impeded the execution of his official duties as Chief Justice.

He said that Dr. Nazeer, without his directive or permission, held meetings with the Supreme court’s staff regarding administrative regulations and polices established by the DJA in violation of the clause in the law which established the Chief Justice as the highest authority regarding matters pertaining to the Supreme Court.

He said that Dr. Nazeer also disputed his position as the highest authority in matters pertaining to the Supreme Court, said the power laid with himself, said he did not need to abide by the Chief Justice’s advice, said he needed to report to the Chief Judicial Administrator, and comported his behavior in such a manner which undermined due judicial and legal process.

“These actions have also created apprehension among the court’s staff, and are undermining the internal peace and stability of the court,” said the Chief Justice.

He said that he had a legal obligation to advice Dr. Nazeer, and had as such, talked to him and advised him against repeating such action.