The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has proposed changes to the Judges’ Retirement Rules that would increase the retirement benefits of a Chief Justice who steps down with honor. 

The proposal has been submitted to Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, which has now begun reviewing the matter.

According to the proposed amendment, a retired Chief Justice would receive a monthly allowance of MVR 70,000. 

The JSC also suggests increasing the lump sum retirement payment based on how long the judge has served. 

Additionally, if the judge has previously worked in other government positions, that time should also be considered when calculating the allowance.

The issue sparked a lengthy debate during today’s committee meeting. 

Members from the government side supported the proposal, saying it was reasonable. 

However, members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) criticized the move, calling it a special arrangement for the current Chief Justice, Ahmed Muthasim Adnan.

Chief Justice Muthasim has already submitted his retirement application to the JSC and is expected to step down soon. 

He has served over nine years as a judge and will receive MVR 70,000 per month, in addition to MVR 500,000 as a lump sum payment when he retires.