JSC reopens applications for High Court judge
On Sunday, former Civil Court Judge Abdulla Jameel Moosa was appointed to fill one of the High Court vacancies.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has reopened applications for a vacant High Court judge position following the withdrawal of Mohamed Shaheed, whose appointment faced public criticism and legal challenge.
Shaheed, a former deputy home minister in the current administration, was approved by the JSC as a High Court judge but later withdrew his application amid a court case seeking to halt his swearing-in. His resignation from the political post and subsequent nomination to the judiciary drew scrutiny regarding the separation between political appointments and judicial independence.
Despite receiving 17 applications for the post during the initial process, the JSC has decided to reissue the vacancy. An official announcement was released on Tuesday, calling for new applications until 12 noon on Tuesday of the following week.
According to the JSC, the salary structure for a High Court judge includes:
-
Basic salary: MVR 45,700 per month
-
Living allowance: MVR 18,000 per month
-
Risk allowance: MVR 3,300 per month
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
-
Be at least 25 years of age
-
Hold a first degree in Islamic Sharia or Law
-
Possess a minimum of five years of experience as a judge, lawyer, or both
The current vacancy arose after two High Court judges were elevated to the Supreme Court. This includes the replacement of Justice Husnu Suood, who resigned from the Supreme Court in March last year and was succeeded by then High Court Chief Justice Hussain Shaheed. Additionally, Mahaz Ali Zahir and Azmiralda Zahir were removed from their Supreme Court posts.
On Sunday, former Civil Court Judge Abdulla Jameel Moosa was appointed to fill one of the High Court vacancies.
The broader reshuffle within the judiciary followed the suspension of three Supreme Court judges in February by the JSC, which initiated investigations into alleged ethical misconduct. The suspension was issued ahead of a scheduled hearing on a case related to a constitutional amendment involving political party disqualifications and parliamentary seat vacancies.
