The opportunity to apply for the position of Supreme Court Judge has been reopened. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) initially opened applications for the vacant Supreme Court Judge position on March 12th. According to available information, former Deputy Prosecutor General Mariyam Nihayath applied for the position. Nihayath, who is among the experienced professionals in the judicial field, has previously advocated in major cases and has also won some cases.
However, in a new announcement, the JSC stated that since an adequate number of applications were not received by the deadline for the Supreme Court Judge position, they are reopening the opportunity. According to the JSC announcement, interested parties can submit their applications through the Fahiress Portal before 10:00 AM on March 15th. This opportunity was opened following the resignation of Judge Husnu Al Suood on the 4th of this month. Suood resigned citing government influence on the judiciary.
The requirements for applying to the position of Supreme Court Judge include being at least 30 years old, having a first degree in Islamic Sharia or Law or both Islamic Sharia and Law, and having at least seven years of experience as a judge or a lawyer or in both capacities. The Supreme Court currently consists of Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan, Judge Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, Mahaz Ali Zahir, Aisha Shujoon Mohamed, Ali Rasheed Hussain, and Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim.
Among these judges, Mahaz and Azmiralda are currently suspended. According to the Judges Act, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) must interview the candidates applying for the Supreme Court. The JSC’s decision will be sent to the President, who will then forward a name of his choice to the People’s Majlis (Parliament). The final decision on appointing a Supreme Court Judge will be made by the People’s Majlis.
