Former Deputy Prosecutor General Mariyam Nihayath has applied for the vacant position of Supreme Court judge.
A vacancy on the seven-judge Supreme Court bench arose following the resignation of Justice Husnu Al-Suood, who stepped down from the bench after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) began investigating corruption cases linked to him.
The deadline for application expired at 11:00 am on Wednesday, with Nihayath being the sole candidate to apply for the position.
Nihayath has previously served as a Civil Court judge. She later served as Deputy Prosecutor General.
The eligibility criteria for the post of Supreme Court judge include being at least thirty years of age and holding a first degree in Islamic Sharia or Law or both. At least 7 years of experience in the judiciary or practicing law or both is also a requirement.
Currently, the seven-judge Supreme Court bench comprises Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan and Justice Dr Azmiralda Zahir, Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir, Justice Aisha Shujoon Mohamed, Justice Ali Rasheed Hussain and Justice Dr Mohamed Ibrahim. Justices Azmiralda and Mahaz are currently under suspension following the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) notifying the JSC regarding an ongoing criminal investigation involving them.