The Judiciary Committee of Parliament has formally endorsed the nominations of Mohamed Saleem, a sitting High Court judge, and Abdulla Hameed, a former High Court judge, for appointment to the Supreme Court, advancing efforts to fill two vacancies on the nation's highest judicial authority.
Their confirmation follows the dismissal of Justices Dr Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir, who were removed from office due to disciplinary violations. The parliament ratified their removal on 14 May, with 68 lawmakers voting in favour. With the vacant seats requiring immediate attention, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) began the selection process, opening applications on 17 May. Twelve candidates submitted their credentials within the designated period.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, acting on the JSC's recommendation, forwarded the names of Judges Saleem and Hameed to parliament for review. The judiciary committee convened on 2 June, opting to allow lawmakers additional time to scrutinise the nominations before reaching a decision. After careful deliberation, committee members unanimously approved both candidates, reinforcing the JSC's assessment of their suitability for appointment. The nominees must now secure final parliamentary approval before the president formalises their appointments to the Supreme Court.
According to existing legal requirements, Supreme Court justices must be at least 30 years of age, hold a first degree in Islamic Shariah or Law, or both, and possess a minimum of seven years of experience as a judge, legal practitioner, or in a combined capacity.