President Nominates Saleem and Hameed to Supreme Court Bench
High Court Judge Mohamed Saleem (R) and former High Court Judge Abdulla Hameed. | Photo: High Court
The President has nominated High Court Judge Mohamed Saleem and former High Court Judge Abdulla Hameed to the Supreme Court, forwarding their names to the People’s Majlis for approval. The President’s letter regarding the nominations was officially announced during today’s Majlis sitting.
The President’s letter regarding the nominations was formally announced during today’s sitting of the Majlis, and their names have been referred to the Judiciary Committee for review.
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The nominations follow the dismissal of Justices Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir by the Majlis last month. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) found that both had attempted to influence a criminal case involving Azmiralda’s husband, who had been arrested in connection with alleged illegal activity at a spa. Justice Mahaz was also found to have contacted a judge at the Criminal Court regarding the matter. Both Justices Azmiralda and Mahaz have firmly denied the allegations against them.
The two vacancies on the Supreme Court were officially opened on 17 May 2025. Twelve individuals applied for the positions. Following interviews and evaluations, the JSC awarded the highest scores to Salemee and Hameed.
Judge Mohamed Salemee, who has served on the High Court since 2022, previously worked for 12 years as a legal officer in the same court. His eligibility was the subject of discussion within the JSC, with questions raised over whether his experience met the constitutional threshold. Article 149(c) of the Constitution stipulates that nominees must be at least 30 years of age and have a minimum of seven years’ experience as a judge, practising lawyer, or both. The JSC ultimately ruled that Salemee satisfied the requirement.
Former Judge Abdulla Hameed served on the High Court from 2007 until his dismissal in June 2022. He was removed after the JSC concluded that he had accepted government-issued flats from the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen and had allegedly shown favouritism in return. Hameed has strongly denied the allegation.
Under the Constitution, the JSC advises the President on judicial appointments. The nominees selected by the President must then be approved by the People’s Majlis.
