High Court Judges Mohamed Niyaz and Mohamed Faisal have applied for the vacancy of the Chief Judge of the High Court, following the promotion of former High Court Chief Judge Hussain Shaheedh to the Supreme Court.
The application deadline for the post closed at 12PM on Saturday, with Niyaz and Faisal as the only candidates for the position. Both are among the most senior judges in the High Court, which consists of ten judges. Both judges were appointed to the High Court in 2018.
Judge Mohamed Niyaz holds a degree in Shariah and Law from the International Islamic University of Malaysia. He was appointed as a High Court judge on 25 January, 2018. He has previously served as the Chief Magistrate of the Haa Dhaalu Judicial District, as well as Magistrate of Vaikaradhoo Court. He was also a member of the Judges Appeal Chamber, and is currently the Vice President of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
Judge Mohamed Faisal holds a degree in Sharia and Law from Kulliyahtul Dhiraasathul Islamiyya. Faisal was sworn in as a High Court judge on 24 July, 2018. He was senior member of former President Abdullah Yameen's former political party, the PA. He was also a member of the JSC during Yameen’s government, and he was also appointed a High Court Judge during his administration.