High Court chief justice Shaheed applies for Supreme Court
The vacancy arose following the resignation of Supreme Court Justice Husnu Suood on 4 March.
High Court Chief Justice Hussain Shaheed has submitted his application for the vacant position of Supreme Court judge.
When the initial nomination period closed last Wednesday, former Deputy Prosecutor General Mariyam Nihayath was the sole applicant. As a result, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) held an emergency meeting and decided to reopen applications. The application period ended at 10 am Saturday.
By the time the deadline expired, two additional candidates had applied:
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High Court Chief Justice Hussain Shaheed
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Lawyer Rusdhullah Ibrahim
To qualify as a Supreme Court judge, a candidate must:
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Be at least 30 years of age
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Hold a first degree in Islamic Sharia, Law, or both
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Have a minimum of seven years of experience as a judge, lawyer, or both
According to the Judiciary Act, the appointment process involves:
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1-
The JSC conducting interviews and submitting names to the President.
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2-
The President forwarding the selected names to Parliament.
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3-
Parliament approving the nominee(s).
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4-
The President appointing the judge within seven days of parliamentary approval.
Additionally, the President has the authority to submit names of candidates he deems suitable for appointment.
The vacancy arose following the resignation of Supreme Court Justice Husnu Suood on 4 March. His resignation followed the suspension of Supreme Court Justices Mahaz Ali Zahir and Azmiralda Zahir.
The JSC is currently investigating the suspended justices regarding ethical concerns and their involvement in a case challenging a constitutional amendment that could result in the loss of parliamentary seats for members removed from their political parties.
