JSC to probe new issue involving Chief Justice

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is probing a new disciplinary case against Chief Justice Dr Ahmed Abdulla Didi.

The commission made the decision to pursue investigation during its sitting held Tuesday.

While Judge Didi is accused of threatening Supreme Court's Secretary General (SG), JSC said the Chief Justice instructed the SG not to follow the changes brought to the regulations of Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) following amendments brought to the JSC Act. The SG was further instructed by the Chief Justice not to communicate with DJA. said JSC.

JSC further revealed that the Chief Justice allegedly accused the SG of working with DJA to overpower the Supreme Court, and threatened to dismiss the SG from his post. Therefore, disciplinary proceedings against the judge will be commenced by the commission to investigate the matter, said JSC

While the JSC is already investigating an additional disciplinary case again the judge over actions of top court justices that transgress the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice refused to present himself to the JSC when summoned for inquiry.

Earlier on Monday, the Chief Justice issued a statement making serious allegations against JSC and DJA. In his statement, the judge accused both entities of attempting to obstruct the administration of courts and "paralyzing" the judicial system.

The statement was released while the Parliament's Judiciary Committee and the JSC are conducting investigations on accusations that the Supreme Court was working to obstruct the DJA through the Judicial Council.

Recent changes to the JSC Act transferred administrative powers of DJA under JSC. The DJA previously functioned under the Supreme Court. The DJA is mandated to organize, implement and oversee all administrative matters of the Judiciary.