The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) has decided that judges will not be allowed to take the oath of office from anyone other than those holding constitutional positions.
According to detail surfaced on Saturday, in a meeting held to reinforce judicial independence and integrity, the council declared that judges must perform their duties free from any influence. If any form of pressure is encountered, the relevant chief justice must be informed immediately.
The chief justice will then place the matter before a committee comprising three judges.
The council reaffirmed that judges are not permitted to preside over political, cultural, or diplomatic functions.
With regard to receiving gifts, judges may only accept those offered by close relatives or very close friends. All other gifts must be declined. Additionally, judges are expected to carefully examine any offer to determine its true intent.
