President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has nominated High Court Chief Judge Hussain Shaheed’s name for Supreme Court judges’ bench.
A seat from the top court’s bench became vacant after Supreme Court Justice Husnu al-Suood resigned earlier on March 4th.
Judicial Service Commission (JSC) announced seeking a judge for the top court’s bench on Monday, last week, during which only the former Deputy Prosecutor General Mariyam Nihayath submitted her name for the position.
After the commission extended the deadline for application, both Shaheed and lawyer Rusdhulla Ibrahim submitted their names as well.
‘Sun’ Online has learned President Muizzu has endorsed Shaheed’s name and sent for parliament’s consideration.
The parliament has put sending Shaheed’s name for committee reviewal on the agenda of Tuesday’s sitting.
Shaheed had attained higher education in Shariah and Law from Al-Azhar University, Egypt and Kulliyatul Dhiraasathul Islaamiyya. He also has a Masters of Islamic Judicial Science and Shariah Policy from the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM).
Previous roles of Shaheed include;
Magistrate at Addu Atoll Feydhoo Magistrate Court
Chief Magistrate of N. Holhudhoo Magistrate Court
Criminal Court judge
Assistant Legal Officer at Criminal Court
Shaheed took oath as a High Court Justice on July 24, 2018 and was appointed as the Chief Judge of the first appellate court on October 30, 2023.
The new judge’s appointment to the top court comes amid allegations on the government that it had been trying to impede the Supreme Court’s duties.