The elimination of the long-standing influence on the judiciary is a pivotal development for a nation operating under a system of three separate branches of government, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated. Addressing the official ceremony marking the 61st Independence Day, he underscored that true national sovereignty is only realised when independence is guaranteed across all sectors, noting that an autonomous judiciary is essential for the public to genuinely feel that freedom.
The primary barrier preventing the judiciary from operating with full autonomy has historically been its lack of financial independence, the president explained. To rectify this systemic issue, the judiciary has been allocated an independent budget for the first time in history, a structural change designed to answer allegations of executive meddling.
"In the past, orders would be directed from the President's Office to the courts," President Muizzu remarked. "I have brought that practice to an end. At present, no judge can make such a statement, nor will they do so. They will not say it because it is entirely untrue that the government has instructed them to pass judgement in a specific manner. The judiciary has been completely liberated."
Beyond financial reforms, addressing severe infrastructure shortages within the justice system has become a specialised priority, the president noted. Operations at the Criminal Court and the Drug Court had ground to a halt inside deteriorating structures, prompting relocation into larger, more capable facilities. This physical intervention has empowered both courts to function effectively and rapidly expedite case resolutions with renewed independence, he observed.
Addressing long-term structural improvements, the president highlighted the Hulhumalé Superior Court Complex being constructed by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company for the 2029 judicial year, while affirming a campaign promise to restructure the Judicial Service Commission.