Magistrate Monica Vella has been suspended from her duties following complaints over delays and administrative failings, Times of Malta has reported.

The suspension, which is expected to last around a month if confirmed, is believed to be linked to delays in issuing written sentences following court rulings. Vella has appealed the decision and continues to serve as magistrate pending the outcome of the appeal.

According to Times of Malta, Vella had 1,897 pending criminal and tribunal cases as of February — one of the highest caseloads among her peers — including 141 ongoing inquiries. Sources cited by the newspaper pointed to an excessive workload and possible staff shortcomings as contributing factors to the delays.

This is not the first time Vella has faced criticism. Last year, she was publicly rebuked by Mr Justice Lawrence Mintoff after a court official testified that she had failed to pass on case files. Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti had also reassigned her cases in Gozo, reportedly due to similar issues.

Vella, a former Xewkija mayor, was appointed magistrate in 2015. Disciplinary proceedings against members of the judiciary are confidential and heard behind closed doors, with decisions issued by the Commission for the Administration of Justice.

Her lawyer, Michael Sciriha, declined to comment due to the confidential nature of the process.

A legal reform proposed earlier this week would see the introduction of a standards commissioner for the judiciary to investigate complaints and improve oversight.