The Judicial Service Commission has introduced a new regulation establishing formal procedures for the removal of chief judges across the Maldives. This framework codifies the commission’s statutory mandate to evaluate the competence and performance of the Chief Justice, Supreme Court justices, and the broader judiciary. Beyond oversight, the commission remains responsible for investigating complaints, executing disciplinary measures, and submitting recommendations to the Parliament regarding the formal dismissal of judicial officials.
While earlier frameworks formulated by the commission lacked specific provisions regarding judge removal, this newly published regulation addresses that omission. The rules empower the commission to dismiss a chief judge should such action be deemed necessary to strengthen the administration of a court. Although the commission has routinely enforced disciplinary actions for ethical and behavioural misconduct, this specific authority to remove judges from their posts remained absent until now.
The 'Regulation Governing the Procedures for Appointing and Removing Chief Judges to Courts' dictates that candidates for chief judge positions must be appointed through a majority vote of the commission’s members. This determination follows a rigorous evaluation of the candidate’s education, professional experience, ethical standing, and overall capability.
The regulation enshrines detailed instructions governing the conduct of members during application and interview stages. This framework applies to leadership across the High Court of the Maldives, superior courts, and regional judicial districts, clarifying the governance of these critical positions within the judiciary.