Supreme Court approval required for transfer of judges

The Supreme Court has issued new rules requiring judges requesting transfer to a different court to seek approval from the apex court.

The rules (Dhivehi) enacted yesterday stipulate that judges of lower courts seeking transfer must write to the Supreme Court stating the reason for the change.

“The transfer of a judge of a lower court from one court to another shall be decided by a majority of the Supreme Court bench,” states section five of the rules.

Former Judicial Services Commission member Aishath Velezinee has accused the court of taking administrative control of the judiciary, while the UN has previously suggested the independence of lower courts is being compromised.