2 High Court judges nominate for chief justice position
The position became vacant following the appointment of former Chief Justice of the High Court, Hussain Shaheed, as a Justice of the Supreme Court.
Two judges of the High Court have submitted their nominations for the position of Chief Justice of the court.
The position became vacant following the appointment of former Chief Justice of the High Court, Hussain Shaheed, as a Justice of the Supreme Court. The deadline for nominations expired at 12 pm Saturday.
The candidates for the post are:
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Justice Mohamed Niyaz – Vice President of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and representative of the High Court on the Commission.
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Justice Mohamed Faisal – Temporarily appointed by the JSC to oversee the High Court after the Chief Justice vacancy.
Mohamed Faisal:
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Appointed as a High Court judge on 24 July 2018.
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Former member and Vice President of the JSC.
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Holds a degree in Shariah and Law from Kulliyat-e-Dirasat-e-Islamiyya.
Mohamed Niyaz:
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Appointed as a High Court judge on 25 January 2018.
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Representing the High Court in the JSC since 11 May.
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Serving as Vice President of the JSC since 20 March.
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Former Chief Magistrate of the HDh. Judicial District.
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Former Magistrate of the HDh. Vaikaradhoo Court.
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Previously served as a Legal Assistant at the Ministry of Justice.
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First High Court judge elected to the Judicial Appeals Board.
Nominations for the High Court vacancy will remain open until 10 April at 10 am.
Chief Justice Shaheed was appointed to the Supreme Court following the resignation of former Supreme Court Justice Husnu Suood. Suood resigned after accusing President Mohamed Muizzu of attempting to influence the Supreme Court.
Suood, along with Justices Mahaz Ali Zahir and Azmiralda Zahir, filed a complaint with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The judges were suspended shortly before a hearing on an interim injunction regarding a parliamentary amendment that allows party members to lose their seats in the House of Representatives.
