Audit report reveals JSC spent MVR 40,000 against the law

Audit report has revealed that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) had spent over MVR 40,000 against the Public Finance Act.

JSC audit report for 2012 released by the Auditor General today has brought to light that the commission had spent MVR 9,000 on food allowance and MVR 33,013 in accommodation allowance, against the Public Finances Act.

It states that the commission had paid MVR 180 in food allowances to the participants of a training program held in Haa Alif and Haa Dhaalu atolls last year. The rate specified in the Public Finance Act for such purposes is MVR 120 per person.

The report also states that the commission had spend a total of MVR 33,013 on accommodation at a tourist hotel in Addu for four members of the commission and two staff, without the permission of the Ministry of Finance, during a trip to the city to answer certain conflicts between the Chief judge and other judges of Addu Court. The Public Finance Act requires that the party seek permission from the Ministry of Finance, if they wish to stay at such accommodation.

The Auditor General has recommended that proper action be taken against the parties responsible for such negligence and to ensure that all expenses are kept within the boundaries of the law.

In conclusion however, the JSC audit report stated that the commission had made their expenses in accordance, and to the purposes of, the budget approved to them by parliament.