14 candidates apply for vacant High Court post

A total of 14 candidates have submitted applications for the open High Court judge's position.

There is one vacancy in the High Court. The application deadline concluded this Tuesday afternoon, with 14 individuals applying for the post. Notable applicants include former High Court Chief Justice Shujau Usman and Family Court Chief Justice Ibrahim Mahir.

Candidates for High Court Judgeship:

• Shujau Usman

• Ibrahim Naseeh

• Ibrahim Mahir

• Sulaiman Mohamed

• Sun Faheem Ibrahim

• Ummu Kulsum Abubakr

• Ali Naseer

• Mohamed Ibrahim

• Mohamed Zahid

• Ashfaq Naeem

• Mohamed Nishath

• Abdul Muhsin Abdul Hakeem

• Mohamed Hashim

• Maryam Haneefa Khalid

Several of the candidates for the High Court judge position have previously applied for the same role.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) had previously decided to appoint Mohamed Shaheed to the single vacant seat on the high court bench. However, on the day of his scheduled swearing-in, he withdrew his name and declined to take the oath.

Shaheed has faced scrutiny for his perceived alignment with the current government's political direction throughout the present decade. He resigned from his role as deputy minister of the homeland ministry on July 10 to pursue the judgeship when the vacant post was initially announced. This date also marked the opening of applications for the judgeship.

Many have criticized this particular move, viewing it as a decision that could potentially compromise the independence of the judiciary.