The Government has proposed a series of amendments to the Judiciary Act aimed at enhancing the integrity, transparency, and effectiveness of judicial administration in the country.

The bill was introduced in Parliament by Thinadhoo North MP Saudullah Hilmy on behalf of the Government.

Central to the proposed amendments is the enhancement of the judicial code of conduct, intended to protect the independence and uphold the credibility of the judiciary. By reinforcing ethical standards, the reforms aim to strengthen public trust in the judicial system and promote greater accountability among judges.

In support of this objective, the bill sets out new procedures for assessing judicial performance. These mechanisms are intended to provide a structured framework for reviewing the quality and consistency of judges’ work, contributing to a more reliable and transparent judicial system.

The proposed amendments also address administrative aspects of the judiciary, particularly the transfer and temporary reassignment of judges. The bill introduces formal guidelines for moving judges between courts and for temporarily delegating judicial responsibilities, thereby improving the flexibility and responsiveness of judicial operations.

A significant element of the reform package concerns financial transparency. Judges would be required to declare their assets within three months of assuming office. Furthermore, they would need to submit annual financial statements covering the previous year within the first three months of each calendar year.

In the event of resignation or departure from office, judges would also be obliged to file their financial disclosures within three months. These requirements are designed to ensure continuous oversight of financial interests throughout a judge’s tenure and beyond.

The amendments go further by extending disclosure obligations to a judge’s immediate family. Judges must include in their financial statements any assets held by their spouse, dependent children, and others under their direct care. This provision seeks to prevent the concealment of assets through familial or custodial ties.

To further prevent conflicts of interest, the bill stipulates that judges may not engage in any form of business activity. It prohibits both direct and indirect financial interests in transactions involving the state, such as purchases, leases, or business dealings, thereby ensuring that judicial impartiality is preserved.

Another key change relates to judicial efficiency. If a case remains undecided for more than twelve months, the judge in charge would be required to notify both the chief judge of the court and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Under current law, only the chief judge must be informed, and that notification is required after six months. The proposed amendment both extends and expands this obligation to ensure higher accountability in case management.

The proposed amendments are currently under Parliamentary consideration and are expected to be deliberated in the coming sessions.