Naseer appointed to JSC as the president’s representative

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on Thursday, has appointed Uz. Ali Naseer Gasim to Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on Thursday as the member representing the president.

Ali Naseer was appointed to the post during a ceremony held at the President’s Office on Thursday morning. His oath was administered by Supreme Court justice Ali Rasheed Hussain. Following the administration of the oath, the President formally presented the letter of appointment.                  

Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is a key constitutional body entrusted with the legal authority to oversee the appointment and promotion of judges in the Maldives. Its mandate also includes investigating disciplinary complaints, taking appropriate action in cases of misconduct, and providing administrative oversight to the courts. In addition to these regulatory responsibilities, the Commission is charged with safeguarding judicial independence and formulating policies aimed at strengthening the integrity and efficiency of the judiciary.

The Commission consists of 10 members representing various branches of the state’s legal and political institutions. Its membership includes a presidential appointee, the Speaker of the Parliament, a Justice of the Supreme Court, a Judge of the High Court, and a representative elected from the lower courts. The Commission also includes a Member of Parliament, a public representative appointed by the Parliament, the President of the Civil Service Commission, the Attorney General, and an elected representative from the legal profession.

Despite its significant constitutional role, the current composition of the JSC has been the subject of sustained criticism, with concerns raised that its structure remains vulnerable to political influence. Reforming the Commission to strengthen its impartiality and shield it from political pressure was a major presidential pledge of both the previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration and the current government. However, neither administration has yet implemented comprehensive legislative reforms to restructure the Commission.