The Parliament has approved the appointments of two new justices to the Supreme Court, following nominations submitted by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

The nominees, High Court Judge Mohamed Saleem and former High Court Judge Abdulla Hameed, were submitted to Parliament on June 2, 2025. The Judiciary Committee reviewed the nominations and found both candidates eligible for appointment. The committee subsequently recommended their confirmation.

During Wednesday’s sitting, members voted on each nominee separately. Hameed was approved with 60 votes in favour, while Saleem received 61 votes.

These appointments fill the vacancies left by the recent dismissals of Supreme Court Justices Dr Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir.

With the addition of Saleem and Hameed, the Supreme Court bench now comprises the Chief Justice and six other justices, as stipulated by law.

Under the Judiciary Act, Supreme Court justices are appointed by the President in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and require the approval of a majority of members present and voting in Parliament.