The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has opened applications for the vacant position on the High Court bench, a day after one of the nominees withdrew his application.
The JSC has opened the opportunity to apply for the vacancies by 12:00 noon on 12 August with interested candidates asked to apply for the post through the Commission's Fahires portal.
JSC had been forced to invite fresh applications for a spot on the High Court bench after one of its two nominees, Mohamed Shaheed withdrew to uphold judicial integrity following mounting criticism over his nomination.
Shaheed in a letter to JSC, asked the judicial watchdog to withdraw his nomination for the post of High Court judge as he wished to uphold the integrity of the first appellate court following question marks raised over his political affiliations to the ruling party, People’s National Congress (PNC).
Shaheed’s withdrawal came after the JSC had scheduled his swearing in for Sunday as the other nominee, Abdulla Jameel Moosa was sworn in.
The two seats in the High Court bench became vacant following the appointment of former High Court judges Abdulla Hameed and Mohamed Saleem as Supreme Court judges. The High Court has 11 judges in total.
The High Court serves as the court of appeal for all decisions made by lower courts and tribunals, except those legally exempt.
The basic salary of a High Court judge is USD 2,964 per month, along with a living allowance of USD 1,168, and a risk allowance of USD 214 per month. High Court judges are also entitled to medical insurance and phone allowance as stipulated by the Parliament.
The requirements for judgeship include being at least 25 years of age and holding a first degree in Islamic Sharia or Law or both. At least five years of experience in the judiciary or practicing law or both is also a requirement.