The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has received applications submitted by six individuals for the vacant position at the judges’ bench of the High Court. The deadline for the submission of applications for the vacant position was on November 12.
The qualifications for the position included being above 25 years of age, holding at least a bachelor’s degree related to law, and having at least five years of experience working as a lawyer or a judge. A High Court judge receives a USD2,300 monthly salary with USD973 as living allowance and USD214 as risk allowance.
The position was vacated following the resignation of High Court Judge Ahmed Shakeel for health reasons. JSC stated that Judge Shakeel was allowed to retire under the Judges’ Act and the regulations on the retirement of judges as he is suffering from Sick Sinus Syndrome. Judge Shakeel has been fitted with a pacemaker twice, and the JSC members made the decision to allow him to retire unanimously following the recommendations from doctors. He retired from the judiciary after 20 years of service.
JSC has approved the retirement of four judges this year for health reasons.