Former Prosecutor General Ahmed Muizzu has called for the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to be chaired by a Supreme Court judge, arguing that the current system allows political influence over the judiciary.  
Speaking at a public meeting with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in Mahchangolhi on Tuesday evening, the former PG questioned why constitutional amendments are being pursued without addressing reform of the JSC. He noted that the commission’s chairmanship has historically been held by members aligned with the President’s party.  
“I believe that even if it is not written, the JSC should be chaired by a person representing the Supreme Court. Then the vice-president should be the judges,” Ahmed Muizzu said, urging the President to consider changes.  
He further criticized the removal of Supreme Court judges without giving them the opportunity to respond to allegations, and voiced concern over the bill to reduce the number of Supreme Court judges to seven, describing it as an attempt by a government member to influence the judiciary.  
Abdul Ghani Mohamed is appointed as the Chief Justice on August 6, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
The JSC’s membership includes:  
The Speaker of Parliament  
A Supreme Court judge (excluding the Chief Justice) elected by the Court  
A High Court judge elected by peers  
A lower court judge elected by peers  
A parliamentarian appointed by Parliament  
A parliamentarian chosen by the public  
The Chairman of the Civil Service Commission  
A presidential appointee  
The Attorney General  
A lawyer elected from licensed practitioners  
Under the JSC Act, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman are elected by commission members and can only be removed if four members propose it and a majority supports the motion.  
The JSC has faced turbulence in recent months. Chairman Hussain Riza Adam resigned on October 26, followed by Vice-President Justice Mohamed Niyaz. On October 23, the President’s representative, Yazmeed Mohamed, was elected as Vice-Chairman.  
Supreme Court building. (Sun Photo/ Fayaz Moosa)
The commission has also drawn criticism for its decision to remove three Supreme Court judges, Azmiralda Zahir, Mahaz Ali Zahir, and Husnu Al Suood (who later resigned), and for investigating disciplinary cases against five of the 11 High Court judges.  
Judicial reform is a key pledge of President Muizzu, who has previously stated that politicians should not serve on the JSC.