JSC reverses decision to appoint Raghib as Civil Court judge

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has reversed its decision to appoint Mohamed Raghib Ahmed as a judge of the Civil Court following a review of past disciplinary cases against him.

Raghib had been selected for one of three vacancies at the Civil Court after the JSC opened applications on 21 June. A total of 42 candidates applied for the positions.

According to information obtained by Dhauru, the commission held an additional meeting on Wednesday and decided not to proceed with Raghib's appointment. His swearing-in had been scheduled to take place alongside two other appointees.

Sources familiar with the matter said the commission revisited disciplinary cases previously filed against Raghib and decided against confirming his appointment after reviewing the available records.

It is understood that the commission had initially approved his appointment because documentation relating to the previous cases had not been identified during the earlier stages of the selection process.

As a result, only the remaining two appointees are expected to take the oath of office as Civil Court judges.

The commission is also expected to begin the process of selecting a replacement candidate for the vacant position at a later stage.

Raghib was previously the subject of disciplinary proceedings before the JSC.

In 2019, the commission found eight allegations against him to be proven. These included allegations of sexually harassing two female court employees, altering court judgments and official documents, maintaining personal relationships with parties involved in cases before the court, and participating in political activities.

Other findings included discrimination against court staff, requiring employees to perform duties outside their official responsibilities, obstructing the work of court administrators, and using his position to facilitate a marriage without the consent of the bride involved.

The commission also found that he had engaged in conduct deemed inconsistent with judicial ethics.

At the time, Raghib denied the allegations and argued that the commission's decision was politically motivated.

Raghib later served as a lawyer associated with the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives-People's National Congress coalition.

Following the current administration's election, he was appointed as a Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology.

He was removed from the post in November 2024 after filing a court case against the state, alleging that city status had been granted to Gdh. Thinadhoo through fraudulent misrepresentation.

The JSC has not yet issued a public statement regarding its latest decision.