Former Vice President and current political advisor of Jumhooree Party leader, Dr. Mohamed Jameel has stated that the amendments proposed by main ruling party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) regarding the judiciary are unconstitutional.
MDP has revealed that several amendments related to the judicial system have been lined up for submission at the parliament. Some of these amendments include establishing the Department of Judicial Administration as an independent institution, and granting authority to registrars of the court to assign cases to judges. According to the proposed amendments, many authorities granted to the Supreme Court will be revoked, empowering the registrars instead.
In a Tweet on Sunday, Dr. Jameel stressed that the reform of the judicial system is a priority, however, the amendments proposed by MDP violates Article 141 of the Maldivian Constitution. The article states that the judicial power is vested in Supreme Court, the High Court and such Trial Courts as established by law.
Jameel noted that the new amendments are against the protocols followed by the Supreme Courts of world super powers such as India in dealing with Suo Motu and constitutional dispute cases. Jameel stressed the importance of strengthening the judiciary and urged to refrain from targeting specific individuals in designing amendments.
Leader of MDP and former President, Mohamed Nasheed has since responded to Jameel and stated that the amendments are not designed to specifically target a member of the judiciary.
Dr Mohamed Jameel speaking at a campaign event - Photo: Ahmed Shurau
