People's National Congress (PNC) activist Mohamed Shaheed has filed to withdraw his nomination for the post of High Court judge.

Adhadhu can confirm that he sent a letter to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to withdraw his nomination for the post.

Shaheed is a member of 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 not be a political appointee or hold an elected political office.

But the JSC, on Wednesday night, decided to appoint Shaheed as a High Court judge. His appointment ceremony was scheduled for tonight.

Shaheed faced immense criticism from lawyers, political parties and members of the public for seeking the position despite his ties with President Mohamed Muizzu.

A petition was also filed in the Civil Court seeking to declare Shaheed ineligible for the post. The case was filed by Ahmed Naushad, who had also applied for the vacant position of judge in the High Court.

Shaheed previously appeared on the podiums of the now-dissolved Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and had been an activist for PPM-aligned PNC.

He has also participated in some campaign activities with Muizzu.

According to the Judges Act, judges must not be members of a political party or hold a political position to ensure impartiality as stipulated in Article 142 of the Constitution.