Aishath Rizna, Chief Judicial Administrator of the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA), has stepped down from her position, citing an unworkable relationship with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Her resignation brings to light several issues within the judicial administration of the Maldives.
Frustration Over JSC's Lack of Cooperation
Rizna’s resignation, confirmed by a DJA official, points to her frustration over the lack of cooperation from the JSC, which she claims made it impossible to carry out her duties within the DJA’s legal and procedural frameworks. In her resignation letter, she highlighted how the Commission’s Judicial Administration Committee had failed to make critical decisions, leaving several important issues unresolved.
She also criticized the JSC for lacking clear vision and guidance at the policy level, which she believed hindered the overall effectiveness of judicial administration. "Efforts made to resolve these issues have not yielded adequate results, which has hindered the effective administration of the judiciary," Rizna wrote.
Allegations Against Rizna Under JSC Investigation
Rizna’s resignation comes at a time when she was reportedly under investigation by the JSC over multiple complaints. The investigations include issues related to the management of health insurance for judges and alleged irregularities in hiring practices.
While these investigations were ongoing, Rizna's decision to step down further complicates the situation, raising questions about the transparency and functionality of the Maldives' judicial system.
Rizna’s Tenure and Professional Background
Aishath Rizna took on the role of Chief Judicial Administrator in September 2020. Her background includes several high-profile positions in the Maldives’ legal and international sectors. Before joining the DJA, she served as the Assistant Resident Representative for the UNDP and held roles as Registrar for both the Civil Court and the Supreme Court of the Maldives.
Her departure underscores ongoing challenges within the judicial system, which has been marred by reports of internal conflicts and administrative roadblocks. Rizna's resignation highlights the critical need for better governance and cooperation between the DJA and JSC to ensure a functional and fair judicial system in the Maldives.
What’s Next for Judicial Administration?
With Rizna’s resignation, the spotlight now turns to how the Department of Judicial Administration will function in her absence. The ongoing challenges within the judicial administration, coupled with her allegations of non-cooperation from the JSC, suggest that reforms may be necessary to restore efficiency and trust in the system.
This development is a significant marker in the ongoing efforts to strengthen judicial administration in the Maldives and could lead to increased calls for accountability and transparency in how the country’s judiciary is governed.
