Names of Saleem and Hameed forwarded to parliament for Supreme Court appointment

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has forwarded the names of High Court Justice Mohamed Saleem and former judge Abdulla Hameed to Parliament for approval to fill the two vacant seats on the Supreme Court.

During today’s sitting, the President’s letter was read, requesting Parliament’s endorsement for their appointment. The matter has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for review and recommendation.

Both candidates were previously shortlisted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) after receiving the highest scores among the 12 applicants interviewed. Justice Saleem currently serves on the High Court, while Hameed is a former High Court judge who also served as a JSC member.

Twelve candidates applied for the two vacant seats on the Supreme Court. Among them, High Court Justice Mohamed Saleem and former judge Abdulla Hameed received the highest marks during the interview process conducted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

JSC has recommended that the President nominate judges based on the ranking from these interviews. However, it remains unclear whether the President has forwarded the top two names as advised.

Under the Constitution, JSC is tasked with advising the President on judicial appointments to the Supreme Court. The final appointment of judges requires approval by Parliament following the President’s nomination.

Justice Mohamed Saleem, the highest-ranked candidate, previously served as a legal officer at the High Court for 12 years before being appointed as a judge in 2022. Former judge Abdulla Hameed, who held a seat on the High Court from 2007 to 2022, was also a member of the JSC during his tenure

He was dismissed from the bench following allegations of misconduct involving the purchase of discounted flats designated for judges during former President Abdulla Yameen's administration.