Highest administrative judiciary official, Chief Judicial Administrator, resigns

Amjad Musthafa, the Chief Judicial Administrator (CJA)—the highest administrative post within the judiciary—has resigned from his post on Monday. 

Sun has learned that Amjad Musthafa submitted his resignation on Monday.

Amjad was appointed as Chief Judicial Administrator in February 2025, following the resignation of his predecessor, Aishath Rizna, in September 2024. The reason for his resignation, which comes just over a year after taking office, has not been disclosed.

Prior to his appointment, Amjad served as President of the Employment Tribunal and as Vice President of the Elections Commission.

His resignation coincides with an announcement made earlier in the day by President Mohamed Muizzu, who outlined plans to reform the current structure under which the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) operates within the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

The President stated that reforms introduced by the previous administration had concentrated excessive authority in administrative heads within Magistrate Courts, which he believes has adversely affected the functioning of the judiciary.

“Bringing about the necessary legal changes to reinstate the Judicial Council, and ensuring the DJA is accountable to the Chief Justice and the Judicial Council—where the Chief Judicial Administrator answers directly to them—is, in my view, a vital reform for the court system,” he said.

The Chief Judicial Administrator serves as the executive head of the DJA, with duties and responsibilities defined under the Judicature Act of the Maldives.

The position is appointed by the JSC for a five-year term. Key responsibilities include managing the administrative operations of the courts, overseeing personnel, resources, and budgetary matters, and implementing policies and decisions issued by the commission.

The Chief Judicial Administrator is directly accountable to the JSC and is also responsible for providing administrative support to the Chief Justice, Supreme Court justices, and chief judges of other courts.