The Judiciary Committee of the People’s Majlis has passed the bill proposing to reduce the number of Supreme Court justices from seven. The bill, submitted by PNC MP Abdus Sattar Mohamed of Hoarafushi constituency, was accepted by Parliament today with 64 votes in favor and 12 against. In the Committee meeting held this evening, seven out of nine members present voted in favor of the bill.
The composition of the Supreme Court bench has changed under previous administrations. Initially established with five justices, it was increased to seven during President Nasheed’s tenure, reduced to five under President Yameen, and later restored to seven under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The proposed reduction comes while the Supreme Court is reviewing the constitutionality of recent amendments related to parliamentary seats.