Abdul Rauf, Shafeeu appointed to High Court

Abdul Rauf Ibrahim and Ismail Shafeeu were appointed on Saturday to fill two vacancies at the High Court.

The decision was taken by the Judicial Service Commission at its meeting held on 2 February. The two judges were initially scheduled to be sworn in on the same day, but the ceremony was cancelled and later held on Saturday night.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Supreme Court.

The High Court vacancies arose following the resignation of Justices Mohamed Niyaz and Mohamed Faisal. Niyaz retired in November, while Faisal resigned in December after the Judicial Service Commission initiated an investigation involving both judges.

A total of 19 candidates applied for the vacant High Court positions.

Abdul Rauf previously served as a High Court judge for more than 11 years. He resigned from the court in May 2022 following allegations related to the acquisition of flats provided under a government incentive scheme during the administration of former president Abdulla Yameen. The Judicial Service Commission had decided to investigate the matter and pursue his removal from office. Since leaving the judiciary, Abdul Rauf has contested the Keyodhoo constituency as a candidate of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).

Ismail Shafeeu was appointed as a judge of the Criminal Court in September 2021. Prior to his appointment, he served for more than two years as a prosecutor at the Prosecutor General’s Office.