Parliament has forwarded the bill to amend the Judicature Act aimed at reducing the number of Supreme Court justices from seven to five, to the Judiciary Committee for further review.

The bill, initially passed in just two days, was sent to President Dr. Muizzu for ratification.

However, on Tuesday, he returned it to Parliament without signing it, citing constitutional concerns.

During today’s parliamentary session, lawmakers debated the next steps before deciding to send the bill for further scrutiny.

The proposal to refer it to the Judiciary Committee was made by the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) Parliamentary Group Leader and MP for Inguraidhoo, Ibrahim Falah.

The motion was passed with 50 votes in favor and seven against.

The bill was originally submitted as an independent proposal by Holhudhoo MP Abdul Satthar Mohamed, also from the PNC.

While some MPs opposed the proposed amendments, the committee review will determine whether revisions are necessary to align the bill with constitutional requirements.