The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) today made public a regulation that grants it the authority to remove the chief judges of the country’s courts from their posts.

According to the regulation, titled “Regulation on the Procedures for Appointing and Removing Chief Judges of Courts,” the commission has the power to take such action in cases where the JSC finds it necessary to remove a court’s chief judge in order to strengthen the administration of that court.

The regulation states that a person may be appointed to the position of chief judge only after their education and experience, character and competence, and suitability for carrying out the responsibilities of the post have been assessed, and by a majority vote of the JSC members. In addition, the regulation sets out details of the procedures for opening applications for the position and the manner in which commission members must conduct themselves during the interview stage for applicants.

Under this regulation, “chief judges” refers to the chief judges appointed to the High Court, the chief qazis of the Superior Courts, and the chief magistrates of the Judicial Districts.

The JSC is the commission entrusted by the Constitution with the responsibility of assessing the competence and performance of the country’s judges, examining complaints related to judges, and taking necessary action against them. To date, the commission has taken various measures in connection with disciplinary matters concerning some judges.