In a move aimed at reinforcing the nation’s top judicial body, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has formally appointed Uz Abdulla Hameed and Uz Mohamed Saleem as Justices of the Supreme Court. The appointments were made official during a ceremony held at the President’s Office on Wednesday afternoon.
The two justices took their oaths of office before Honourable Supreme Court Justice Aisha Shujune Muhammad, who administered the official swearing-in. Following the oath, President Muizzu presented them with their letters of appointment, marking the final step in their confirmation process.
The appointments came shortly after Parliament approved both nominations earlier in the day. The Parliamentary Judiciary Committee had reviewed the backgrounds and qualifications of the nominees before endorsing them for the nation’s highest bench.
Uz Mohamed Saleem currently serves as a judge on the High Court, while Uz Abdulla Hameed previously held the same position. Their elevation to the Supreme Court is seen as part of a broader effort to strengthen judicial integrity and continuity in the wake of recent changes to the court’s composition.
Their appointments fill the vacancies created by the recent dismissal of Justices Dr Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir. The two were removed from office on May 14 following findings of disciplinary misconduct—an event that underscored the importance of accountability at the highest levels of the judiciary.
With the addition of Justices Saleem and Hameed, the Supreme Court returns to its full bench, comprising the Chief Justice and six associate justices, as mandated by Maldivian law.
President Muizzu’s selections are viewed as part of a continuing effort to ensure the Supreme Court remains both functional and credible, particularly amid growing public and institutional scrutiny over judicial transparency and independence.
Observers say the new justices’ extensive experience on the High Court bench positions them well to contribute meaningfully to the legal and constitutional development of the Maldives.
