Judge Mohamed Faisal has been officially named Chief Judge of the High Court, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) announced following its 15th meeting of the year. His appointment formalises a role he had already been fulfilling in an acting capacity after the elevation of former Chief Judge Hussain Shaheed to the Supreme Court.
Judge Faisal brings extensive experience in law and the judiciary to the position. He holds a degree in Sharia and Law from the former Maldives College of Islamic Studies (now part of the Maldives Islamic University). His legal career began in 2012, with a tenure at SMNS Equity Chamber before transitioning to the judiciary.
His involvement with the JSC dates back to May 2014, when he was appointed as a member. Two months later, he was named Vice President, a role he held until his judicial appointment to the High Court on 24 July 2018. Most recently, he was entrusted with the court's administration on an interim basis from 19 March 2025.
The High Court plays a central role in the nation's judiciary, serving as the appellate authority for rulings from lower courts and tribunals unless a statute explicitly prohibits review. It also holds original jurisdiction in cases designated by the Constitution or applicable law.
Under Article 27 of the Judicature Act, the High Court comprises 11 judges, including the Chief Judge. The current bench includes Judges Mohamed Niyaz, Hussain Mazeed, Hassan Shafeeu, Fathimath Farheeza, Huzaifa Mohamed, Dheebanaz Fahmy, Mohamed Saleem, Mohamed Shaneez Abdulla, and Abdul Maniu Hussain.