MP Ibrahim Falah has strongly defended the recent decision to reduce the Supreme Court bench from seven to five judges, stating that the move was made by Parliament and not on the orders of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Falah, who serves as the PNC Parliamentary Group Leader and represents Ungoofaaru constituency, made his remarks on social media platform X, asserting that President Dr. Muizzu remains committed to upholding the rule of law and maintaining the independence of the judiciary.

He dismissed allegations of executive interference, stressing that the reduction in the Supreme Court bench was purely a parliamentary decision.

Falah maintained that President Dr. Muizzu has always demonstrated respect for democratic principles and governance based on justice and fairness.

Falah also criticized those who have accused the current administration of influencing the judiciary, suggesting that such claims reflect the actions of previous governments.

He pointed to historical instances where the judiciary was directly undermined, including the military’s involvement in arresting judges and occupying court premises.

He recalled the arrest of a Criminal Court judge during the first Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government, an event that sparked widespread criticism and political unrest. He also pointed to the 2018 military operation under the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) government, where armed forces stormed the Supreme Court building and occupied its premises.

In his remarks, Falah reiterated that the Constitution grants Parliament the authority to amend laws, including those that determine the composition of the Supreme Court.

He described the decision to reduce the bench as a legitimate legislative move rather than an act of executive control.

Falah’s statements come in response to the resignation of Supreme Court Judge Husnu Suood, who claimed that the President was attempting to influence the judiciary through the bill proposing changes to the court’s structure.