Interim order sought to block Shaheed's High Court appointment

A case has been filed in the Civil Court seeking an interim order to halt the appointment of Mohamed Shaheed to the High Court. 

Shaheed recently served as deputy minister of the Ministry of Homeland Security and has been active in political activities of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) opened applications for two High Court vacancies on July 10, with a deadline of July 16. The names of the candidates were not publicized until Wednesday, shortly before interviews were held and selections were made.

From the 18 applicants, the JSC selected Shaheed and Abdulla Jameel Moosa, a former Civil Court judge.

The case was filed by Ahmed Naushad, one of the applicants for the High Court judge position. Naushad stated that the decision to appoint Shaheed was unfair, citing the presence of other capable individuals with relevant education.

"Looking at the education and experience of the candidates, I believe this is a huge injustice, so I filed the case," Naushad told Sun.

Shaheed was prominently involved in PNC campaign activities during both the 2023 presidential election and the 2024 parliamentary election. He was also observed defending the PNC administration across various platforms during his tenure as deputy minister.

President Muizzu's campaign included promises not to influence the judiciary. However, the recent removal of three Supreme Court judges while a constitutional issue of government interest was being heard has fueled speculation regarding government influence within the judiciary.

Following the removal of Husnu Al Suood from the Supreme Court, many individuals within the current government noted Suood's previous association with the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). At that time, senior government officials commented that individuals engaged in political activities should not serve as judges.