The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Judge Mohamed Faisal as the new Chief Judge of the High Court, following the elevation of his predecessor, Hussain Shaheed, to the Supreme Court.
The decision was finalized during a JSC meeting held on March 19. Judge Faisal, who had been serving as the acting Chief Judge since Shaheed’s departure, was one of two applicants for the position, alongside fellow High Court Judge Mohamed Niyaz. Both judges have been serving on the High Court since their appointments in 2018.
Judge Faisal brings over a decade of legal experience to his new role. He holds a degree in Sharia and Law from the College of Islamic Studies in the Maldives and began his legal career in 2012 as a legal counsel at SMNS Equity Chamber. His commitment to judicial service was further demonstrated through his tenure on the Judicial Service Commission from May 2014, where he served as Vice President from July 2014 until his appointment to the High Court in July 2018.
The vacancy in the High Court’s leadership arose after former Chief Judge Hussain Shaheed was appointed to the Supreme Court on March 19, 2025, by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
Judge Faisal’s appointment is seen as a continuation of his dedicated service within the Maldivian judiciary, and his leadership is expected to uphold the integrity and efficiency of the High Court.
