President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has sought the counsel of Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on two new appointments to the Supreme Court of the Maldives.
The president is seeking the counsel of JSC on appointing Ali Rasheed Hussain and Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim to the two vacant slots at the Supreme Court judges’ bench. JSC will be reviewing the names nominated by the president, as well as individuals who apply for the positions during the application period. Application for the vacant slots at the Supreme Court judges’ bench has been opened until August 6.
Ali Rasheed Hussain is currently the Chief Judge at the Criminal Court of the Maldives. He is the first judge to issue a death sentence under the new constitution, which was ratified in 2008. He has presided over many high-profile criminal trials, including the money laundering trial of former President Abdulla Yameen.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim is a renowned attorney who has worked in the legal sector for many years. He currently works at the law firm Premier Chambers.
As per the third amendment to the Judicature Act, which was ratified in July 2019, the Supreme Court must be composed of 7 judges. Currently, there are five judges at the apex court.