Parliament committee approves Shaheed’s appointment as Supreme Court Justice

The Judiciary Committee of the Parliament has approved the appointment of High Court Chief Judge, Hussain Shaheed, as a Supreme Court Justice. The Judiciary Committee of the Parliament passed the approval unanimously.

The post became vacant following the resignation of Justice Husnu al-Suood. When the post was first announced by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), it received only one application, with the sole candidate being former Deputy Prosecutor General Mariyam Nihayath. Due to the lack of response, JSC reopened application, with submission deadline expiring at 10 am on Saturday. In addition to Shaheed, lawyer Rusdhullah Ibrahim also applied for the post during the second round.

Following the interview process, the JSC recommended the President to appoint Shaheed to the post.

Hussain Shaheed holds a Master of Islamic Judicial Science and Sharia Policy from the Maldives Islamic University. He received higher education in Shariah and law from Egypt’s Al-Azhar University and Kulliyyathul Dhiraasaathul Islaamiyya in the Maldives.

Judge Shaheed has held previously held several judicial posts, such as the post of Magistrate of Feydhoo Magistrate Court, Addu City, Chief Magistrate of Noonu Holhudhoo Magistrate Court as well Judge at Criminal Court Judge. Shaheed has also served as an Assistant Legal Officer and State Attorney in the Criminal Court.

Shaheed was sworn in as a High Court judge on July 24, 2018. He was appointed as the Chief Judge of the High Court on October 30, 2023.