Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ahmed Nazim has said today that the judges of the Supreme Court are 'caught in political tides', accusing them of intervening in political issues and delivering politicized rulings.
Nazim made these comments in today's debate in parliament on the bill proposed by ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MP AbduSattar Mohamed seeking to reduce the number of judges at the Supreme Court from seven to five.
"We are getting signals that they [SC Judges] are ready to dance to the beats of political leaders," Nazim said.
Nazim emphasized that Judges must be objective and remain detached from politics.
Nazim said that the bill must be accepted, and the changes brought if it is judged necessary. He declared that he has the courage to do it, and will do it.
Nazim also criticized the Supreme Court for hearing the case on revocation of the constitutional amendment regarding loss of parliament seats. He accused the Supreme Court of bringing into question the parliament's privileges.
"We saw the current Supreme Court bringing this into question. The question being while the constitution states that the State religion is Islam, can the Supreme Court not hear the case if the parliament decides on another religion as the State religion. Even that chapter states that the parliament has the authority to make and amend laws in ways that do not contravene Islamic principles," Nazim said.
Nazim said that the Supreme Court raising such questions is a matter of concern, adding that this is the ideal time to bring changes to the Supreme Court's compilation.
In the bill, Sattar proposes to decrease the number of judges on the Supreme Court bench to five, and to dismiss two judges not fit for the post within seven days of ratification.
In the constitutional case at the Supreme Court, the State appealed for the court to rule they cannot hear the case. However, the court decided to proceed with the case.