The Parliament has unanimously approved the appointments of High Court Judge Mohamed Saleem and former High Court Judge Abdulla Hameed to the Supreme Court, reinforcing the judiciary's leadership following recent vacancies on the nation's highest legal bench. The confirmation was granted during Wednesday’s parliamentary session.
The Judiciary Committee of Parliament formally endorsed the nominations on 4 June after an extensive evaluation. Saleem, a sitting High Court judge, and Hameed, formerly of the same court, emerged as leading candidates for elevation to the Supreme Court, a decision aimed at ensuring institutional stability.
Their selection comes after the removal of Justices Dr Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir, dismissed on 14 May for disciplinary violations. The parliamentary vote, with 68 lawmakers in favour, set the stage for a swift nomination process overseen by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Applications opened on 17 May, with 12 candidates submitting credentials within the designated timeframe.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, acting on the JSC's recommendations, forwarded the names of Judges Saleem and Hameed to parliament on 2 June. In response, the judiciary committee convened that same day, granting legislators additional time for a detailed review. After thorough deliberation, committee members unanimously ratified both nominations, reinforcing their qualifications for the Supreme Court. With parliamentary confirmation secured, the nominees await formal appointment by the president, completing their ascension to the nation's apex court.