JSC nominates Shaheed for Supreme Court appointment
The vacancy in the Supreme Court arose following the resignation of Justice Husnu Suood on 4 March.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has approved the nomination of High Court Chief Justice Hussain Shaheed for appointment as a Supreme Court judge.
The decision was made during a meeting held on Monday night and has been submitted to the President’s Office.
The vacancy in the Supreme Court arose following the resignation of Justice Husnu Suood on 4 March. Three candidates applied for the position:
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Former Deputy Prosecutor General Mariyam Nihaayath
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High Court Chief Justice Hussain Shaheed
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Lawyer Rusdullah Ibrahim
The JSC interviewed all three candidates on Monday before selecting Shaheed as the nominee.
Shaheed has served as a High Court judge for over seven years. His career includes:
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Appointment as a High Court judge on 24 July 2018
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Temporary assignment as Chief Justice of the High Court on 18 November 2022
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Official appointment as Chief Justice of the High Court on 30 October 2023
He has previously held positions as:
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Magistrate of the F. Magoodhoo Magistrate Court
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Chief Magistrate of N. Holhudhoo Magistrate’s Court
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Judge of the Criminal Court
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Assistant Legal Officer at the Criminal Court
Shaheed holds a degree in Sharia and Law from Al-Azhar University and Kuliyat al-Dirasat al-Islamiyya in Egypt. He also has a Master’s degree in Islamic Judicial Science and Sharia Policy from the Islamic University of Maldives.
According to the Judiciary Act, the process for appointing a Supreme Court judge involves:
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The JSC interviewing candidates and submitting a name to the President
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The President forwarding the nominee to Parliament
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Parliament approving the nomination
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The President appointing the judge within seven days of parliamentary approval
The President may also nominate additional candidates for consideration by the JSC.
Alongside the vacant seat, two Supreme Court judges, Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir and Justice Dr Azmiralda Zahir, have been suspended while the JSC investigates alleged misconduct. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is also investigating a corruption case involving the judges.
The suspension came as the Supreme Court was set to hear an interim order related to a constitutional amendment concerning the loss of parliamentary seats upon expulsion from a political party. With two judges suspended, the case has been put on hold.
Currently, four Supreme Court judges remain active. The Courts Act requires a minimum of five judges to preside over constitutional cases in the Supreme Court.
