Parliament approves Idrees’ appointment to JSC

Parliament, on Tuesday, has approved the appointment of Idrees Fauzy, Fahivaage, L. Kalaidhoo, to Judicial Service Commission (JSC) as member representing the public.

Parliament opened applications for the post on June 12th as the term incumbent JSC member representing the public, Dr. Aminath Ummu Kulsoom, is set to expire on August.

Eight applied for the post:

• Uz. Ibrahim Zahid, Lilymaage, GDh. Vaadhoo
• Uz. Ahmed Ali, Hulhumale’ Flat Number 108-G-01
• Ali Amir, Ma. Penzy Villa
• Idrees Fauzy, Fahivaage, L. Kalaidhoo
• Uz. Ahmed Shafeeu, Udhares, HA. Ihavandhoo
• Dr. Hussain Faiz, Dhafthar No. 1325
• Uz. Hassan Waheed, Rankokaage, HDh. Kurinbi
• Ali Mohamed Manik, Dhafthat No. RS 1851

Among all applicants, Judiciary Committee gave the highest score to Idrees.

During a floor vote at Tuesday’s parliamentary sitting, Idrees was approved for the post by the votes of 64 lawmakers. One lawmaker voted against Idrees: opposition MDP’s Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa. Two lawmakers abstained: MDP’s Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir and MDP’s Keyodhoo MP Mohamed Niushad.

JSC is currently composed of:

• Parliament speaker
• A representative from the Parliament
• A representative of the President
• A Supreme Court justice
• A High Court judge
• A lower court judge
• A representative of the general public approved by Parliament
• Civil Service Commission’s President
• Attorney General

JSC, the governing body of the courts, has faced strong accusations of political influence. Consequently, efforts have been underway for years to reform its composition.

The Commission was most recently accused of political influence over the suspension of three Supreme Court justices – Husnu al-Suood, Dr. Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir – as the court reviewed controversial anti-defection clauses that were written into the Constitution last year.

According to the Commission, the trio were suspended due to ongoing criminal investigations against them. While Suood resigned, Azmiralda and Mahaz were dismissed by the Parliament based on JSC’s recommendation.

The Commission had come under fire from both local and international organizations over its decision to push for the dismissal of the Supreme Court justices.