The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has stated that its investigation into the case against Supreme Court Justice Dr Azmiralda Zahira was conducted in full compliance with legal provisions and the rights afforded to judges.

The response comes after Justice Azmiralda’s lawyer issued a statement alleging that the JSC had not granted her the rights she deserves during the investigation.

In a statement released on Thursday, the JSC clarified that on March 6, 2025, the Commission had granted Justice Azmiralda the right to legal counsel in the investigation, in accordance with Article 53 of the Constitution and Article 25(b) of the Judicial Service Commission Act, following her request. The Commission further noted that Ibrahim Shameel was appointed as her legal counsel.

The JSC also stated that although Justice Azmiralda was accompanied by her lawyer, Ibrahim Shameel, on March 11, 2025, the information she later shared with the media was inaccurate

Highlighting the legal framework governing judicial conduct investigations, the JSC reaffirmed that the law grants the Commission the authority to oversee such cases. The Commission cited Section 25(c) of the Judicial Service Commission Act, which stipulates that a judge must respond to questions from the investigating committee after being informed of the allegations and case details.

Additionally, Sections 25(c) and (e) of the Act clearly outline the limited role of legal counsel in such proceedings. The JSC emphasised that while lawyers may provide legal advice, it is the judge, not the lawyer, who must answer questions from the committee.

The Commission stated that Justice Azmiralda and her lawyer were repeatedly given opportunities to confer, and the judge was also offered the chance to consult privately with her lawyer if she wished.