JSC to seek parliamentary approval for MVR 500 phone allowance to magistrates

Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has made the decision to seek parliamentary approval to award local magistrates a monthly phone allowance of MVR 500.

Both sitting judges and justices currently receive a monthly phone allowance.

JSC, at its meeting on August 7, decided that magistrates must also be awarded a monthly phone allowance.

JSC followed up on its earlier decision, and decided on a monthly phone allowance of MVR 500 to magistrates at its meeting in L. Fonadhoo this Sunday.

The decision by JSC to seek parliamentary approval for a phone allowance to magistrates comes after its unsuccessful bid to secure phone allowance for magistrates in 2014.

JSC has also decided to instruct the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) to formulate policies regarding training programs for sitting judges.

According to JSC, the policies will expand training opportunities for judges.

JSC reached the decision following discussions on facilitating opportunities for judges to partake in both state-funded and paid training programs, introducing schemes to award financial concession to judges who wish to partake in training programs, and encouraging and promoting educational and training programs among judges.

JSC’s meeting in L. Fonadhoo is its first meeting outside of the capital, Male’ City. JSC members are in L. Atoll to attend a seminar on the juvenile justice system.