JSC recommends Ghani for Chief Justice position

Aug 4, 2025, 5:44 AM
Abdul Ghani Mohamed and former President Abdulla Yameen.

Abdul Ghani Mohamed and former President Abdulla Yameen.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has proposed to appoint former Supreme Court Justice Abdul Ghani Mohamed as the Chief Justice.

Three candidates submitted applications for the post. They are Ghani, former High Court Chief Justice Shujau Usman and Family Court Judge Abdulla Mohamed (Abdullah Ghazi).

The JSC ranked the candidates with Ghani as the first option, Abdulla Ghazi as the second option and Shujau Usman ranked third.

The JSC's recommendation has now been sent to the parliament's judiciary committee for review.

Shujau Usman and Abdul Ghani Mohamed submitted applications for two recent vacancies on the Supreme Court bench. But High Court judge Mohamed Saleem and the former judge Abdulla Hameed were appointed to the bench.

Ghani previously served on the Supreme Court bench and also as a judge at the Civil Court and High Court. President Mohamed Muizzu's administration appointed him as a member of the Tax Appeal Tribunal.

The JSC heard multiple cases against him, including the Supreme Court order to disqualify 12 MPs, attempting to stop the JSC's suspension of former Supreme Court Justice Abdullah Didi for allegedly taking bribes and the creation of a judicial council.

Ghani was removed from the position by the parliament on December 4, 2019, based on a report sent by the JSC. Sixty-four MPs voted to remove him from the top court bench.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

MDP to stage protests if referendum is not held on Rasmale' deal

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has passed a resolution to launch mass protests if the government does not hold a public referendum regarding the Rasmalé project. The opposition demands a halt to the project, citing concerns over secret financing and the potential sale of the site to a foreign businessman.

Nasheed announces full support for Rasmale' project

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has declared his full support for the government's plan to sell part of the Rasmalé project to a UAE businessman. Despite opposition within the MDP calling for a public referendum, Nasheed argues the investment will yield long-term benefits for the Maldives. He remains the sole party member against the move.

Chinese Ambassador applauds Muizzu's successful Pakistan trip

Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua praised President Muizzu’s successful state visit to Pakistan, where 20 agreements were signed to boost bilateral trade. The meeting between Chinese and Pakistani officials highlights strengthening ties, which India is monitoring closely given the regional dynamics and its own financial support to the Maldives.

Defence Minister visits the UAE embassy

Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed met with UAE Chargé d'Affaires Heba Al Jneibi to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. The visit follows controversy over a deal to sell 500 hectares of the Rasmalé reclamation project to UAE-based Eagle Hills. This move contradicts President Muizzu’s earlier pledge to keep the land under local ownership.

Commission formed to investigate the alleged sale of territory

President Muizzu has formed a commission to investigate the alleged sale of Maldivian maritime territory during a boundary dispute with the Chagos Archipelago. The inquiry will examine potential legal negligence by the previous administration and recommend actions against those responsible to prevent future occurrences.

Boating Association demands probe over diver altercation

The National Boating Association of Maldives has called for a formal probe into a viral video showing an underwater physical struggle between two diving teams. The NBAM condemned the incident and urged authorities to investigate the ownership and regulatory compliance of the vessels involved to protect the industry's reputation.

Five injured after gas cylinder explosion at Hulhumale’ cafe

Five people were injured, with four hospitalized, after a gas cylinder exploded at a cafe in Hulhumale' Phase 1. Emergency teams responded to the resulting fire near the Ruhgandu 1 area. Police are currently investigating the cause of the blast.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox