Maldives has downsized its Supreme Court bench from seven to five justices, as the court prepares to begin hearings on the constitutional amendment regarding anti-defection.

The ruling party submitted the bill on Monday, and it was debated in Parliament on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, the bill was swiftly passed after opposition MPs who protested against it were removed from the chamber. Only one ruling party MP, Ahmed Azan Marzooq, openly opposed the bill, walking out before the vote in protest.

Within minutes of the bill's passage, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) suspended three Supreme Court justices—Justice Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, Justice Mahaaz Ali Zahir, and Justice Husnu Suood. The move came as the Supreme Court was scheduled to rule on a temporary injunction preventing actions that could cause MPs to lose their seats while the anti-defection amendment remains under judicial review.

The decision to reduce the Supreme Court bench has sparked political debate, with the opposition arguing that the move is intended to influence key rulings, including the upcoming anti-defection case.