The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) suspended three of the seven Supreme Court judges today.

According to reports received by MMTV, the suspended judges are Azmiralda Zahir, Mahaz Ali Zahir, and Husnu Al Suood – the reason for their suspension has not yet been disclosed.

The JSC made this decision moments before a scheduled hearing on the implementation of a constitutional amendment related to the Anti-Defection Act. The amendment stipulates that Parliament members lose their seats if they change parties, are dismissed by their party, or, in the case of independent members, join a party. The hearing was set for 11 a.m. today but has since been cancelled.

The suspensions come after Parliament passed a resolution to reduce the Supreme Court bench from seven to five judges. Under the amendment, the JSC must recommend two judges for removal to Parliament within five days of the amendment taking effect. Parliament must then finalise the matter within seven days.