High Court appointment of Shaheed contested in court

A case has been filed at the Civil Court seeking to block the appointment of Mohamed Shaheed a former Deputy Minister of Home Affairs under the current administration as a judge of the High Court.

Judicial Service Commission (JSC) recently selected Shaheed and former Civil Court judge Abdulla Jameel Moosa to fill two High Court vacancies, following the appointment of two sitting High Court judges to the Supreme Court. A total of 17 candidates had applied for the positions.

Shaheed had been appointed as Deputy Minister at the beginning of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s term, but resigned from the post earlier this month. Prior to his resignation, he was actively involved in activities of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) and its coalition partner, the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

The legal challenge was brought by lawyer Ahmed Naushad, one of the 17 applicants for the High Court positions. In his petition, Naushad requested an interim order to suspend Shaheed’s appointment until the court issues a final ruling.

Speaking to Mihaaru News, Naushad said he does not believe individuals with recent political affiliations can serve independently on the bench.

“I cannot accept the appointment of someone who has held a political post, regardless of their prior judicial experience,” he said.

“This is not about me trying to secure a position.”