Only one candidate was sworn in as a High Court judge on Sunday night after ruling party activist Mohamed Shaheed withdrew his nomination following pressure.
Former Civil Court judge Abdulla Jameel, who worked as a judge for 15 years, was sworn in to fill the vacant position of High Court judge.
Jameel had been working as a lawyer since February 2019. Judges from the High Court and Supreme Court attended the appointment ceremony.
On Sunday, Shaheed withdrew his nomination in a letter sent to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
He is a member of the ruling party and served as Deputy Minister for Homeland Security until his resignation in July to submit the nomination for the post of judge.
The requirements for judges include not being a member of a political party or a person involved in political activities. They must also not be a political appointee or hold an elected political office.
Shaheed faced immense criticism from lawyers, political parties and members of the public for seeking the position despite his ties with President Mohamed Muizzu.
