The Judiciary Committee of the Parliament has approved the removal of Supreme Court Justices Mahaz Ali Zahir and Azmiralda Zahir, following a recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

The decision follows an investigation into allegations that Azmiralda attempted to influence a Criminal Court case concerning the arrest of her husband, with the involvement of Justice Mahaz.

During the investigation, Justice Mahaz admitted to contacting Criminal Court Judge Sofath Habeeb Zihunee, his cousin, to inquire whether Azmiralda’s husband had been arrested. He stated that the call was made after the husband had already been released from custody. Both Mahaz and Sofath confirmed that Judge Sofath had contacted Judge Ibrahim Zihni, who presided over the remand hearing, to inquire about the case.

The JSC concluded that the two Justices had attempted to influence the outcome of judicial proceedings and therefore recommended their removal from office.

In reviewing the matter, the Judiciary Committee examined whether the JSC had followed due process in reaching its decision. The Committee confirmed that all procedural requirements had been met and subsequently endorsed the recommendation to dismiss both justices.

The Committee’s decision will now be sent to the Parliament, where members will decide on the removal of the judges through a majority vote.