A new bill has been submitted to the People’s Majlis proposing significant amendments to the "Judges Act of Maldives," with the aim of redefining the code of conduct, responsibilities, and powers of judges to strengthen judicial independence and public trust in the judiciary.
The bill was introduced by Thinadhoo North MP Saudullah Hilmy on behalf of the government. According to the bill’s stated purpose, the proposed amendments seek to establish clear legal standards to guide judges in the ethical and impartial execution of their duties.
Key elements of the amendment include new rules governing judicial performance evaluations, enhanced financial disclosure requirements, and strict limitations on judges’ involvement in business or financial dealings. The bill explicitly prohibits judges from engaging in any type of business activity and from holding any direct or indirect financial interest in the purchase, lease, or transaction of state-owned land or state-related agreements.
Additionally, the bill introduces new reporting requirements for unresolved cases. If a case remains pending before a judge for over a year, it must be reported to both the Chief Judge and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Under current law, such cases must only be reported to the Chief Judge after six months.
Financial disclosure obligations would also be strengthened. Judges would be required to submit their initial financial statements within three months of taking office and submit updated statements for the previous year within the first quarter of each calendar year. The proposed amendment expands the disclosure requirement to include financial information not only about the judge but also about their spouse, dependent children, and other dependents under their care. Currently, judges are only required to submit annual statements to the JSC without such detailed familial information.
The proposed changes mark a comprehensive effort to increase transparency, accountability, and professionalism within the judiciary.