President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has appointed former High Court judges Ustaz Mohamed Saleem and Ustaz Abdullah Hameed to the position of Supreme Court justices. In a special ceremony held yesterday afternoon at the President’s Office, the two were sworn in as Supreme Court justices by Supreme Court Justice Ustaza Aisha Shujoon Mohamed. The President also presented them with their letters of appointment.
When President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu sent the names of Mohamed Saleem and Abdullah Hameed to the Parliament for appointment to the Supreme Court, the Parliament approved both candidates in today’s session. The Parliament made this decision following the Judiciary Committee’s approval that both candidates meet the qualifications for appointment to the Supreme Court. When the Judiciary Committee’s report was presented to the Parliament floor, the Parliament unanimously approved the appointment of Mohamed Saleem and Abdullah Hameed to the Supreme Court by all members present and voting.
Two positions on the Supreme Court became vacant following the dismissal of Justice Dr. Azmiralda Zahir and Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir due to an ethical issue. The Supreme Court consists of 7 members. When the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) opened applications for the vacant positions, 12 individuals applied for the position of Supreme Court justice. From among the applicants, the President sent the names of High Court Judge Mohamed Saleem and former High Court Judge Abdullah Hameed to the Parliament based on the advice of the JSC.
