The People’s Majlis has referred the proposed removal of Criminal Court Judge Hussain Faiz Rashad to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) formally submitted a request to Parliament on November 26 seeking the dismissal of Judge Faiz, following investigations into alleged violations of the Constitution and laws in connection with his judicial conduct. Parliament has now forwarded the matter to the relevant committee for review.

The principal case against Judge Faiz relates to his decision to release Ali Anwar of Cozy Corner, Seenu Hithadhoo, who is accused of coordinating drug smuggling activities to the Maldives. Police had previously arrested Ali Anwar in connection with the possession of 70 kilograms of drugs. Although he was initially remanded in custody for five days in a separate case, Judge Faiz later ordered his unconditional release when he was brought before the court again.

A second complaint filed with the JSC concerns the judge’s handling of the case of Haleemath Lamha, who is currently held pending trial in connection with a murder case.

Judge Faiz was suspended by the JSC on October 23 and remained under suspension for 60 days, the longest period of suspension imposed on a judge to date. He had also been suspended in 2021 for two months in relation to a separate matter involving the leaking of an audio recording, though that suspension was later lifted.

Under the Judiciary Act, a judge may be removed if two-thirds of Members of Parliament present and voting support the motion, provided the JSC determines that the judge is unfit for office or has committed misconduct incompatible with judicial duties.

The Judiciary Committee is expected to review the case and report its findings to Parliament for a final decision.