Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra), the chairman of the committee that drafted the current Constitution, has asserted that the Supreme Court should remain independent and not be politicized.

His remarks come as a ruling People's National Congress (PNC) member has introduced a bill to reduce the number of Supreme Court judges from seven to five.

Speaking on the matter, Ibra, who also served as the first president of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), stated that while he is not involved in the country's political landscape, he believes that judicial affairs should not be manipulated for political gain. He warned that the Constitution and the judiciary should not be used as tools for political maneuvering.

He emphasized that the Supreme Court, which safeguards the Constitution and ensures the security of the people, should not be tampered with for political purposes. Addressing PNC MPs, he urged them to refrain from interfering with the judiciary.

While acknowledging that there are necessary reforms within the judiciary, Ibra stressed that any changes should be made with the intent of strengthening the judicial system rather than undermining its independence. He vowed to defend judicial autonomy, adding that despite his own past struggles with the judiciary, he remains committed to upholding its independence.

The proposed bill has sparked controversy, amid speculation that the government is seeking to remove two sitting justices from the Supreme Court.