Ibrahim Mahir, the former Chief Judge of the Family Court, has been appointed as a judge of the High Court.

The appointment was formalized during a ceremony held Thursday at the Supreme Court, where Mahir received his official letter of appointment from Judicial Service Commission (JSC) President Husain Riza Adam.

Mahir is the longest-serving judge of the Family Court, having dedicated nearly 15 years to the bench. His appointment follows a vacancy created after Mohamed Shaheed, previously selected for the role, withdrew his candidacy.

JSC reopened applications for the position after Shaheed stepped down amidst public criticism over his political affiliations. A total of nine individuals applied during the second round of applications.

The High Court currently comprises 10 judges, with one position remaining vacant. The most recent judge to join the bench prior to Mahir was Abdulla Jameel, formerly of the Civil Court.

The vacancy on the High Court bench originally emerged after two of its judges were appointed to the Supreme Court to replace Judges Mahaz Ali Zahir and Azmiralda Zahir, who were unlawfully dismissed, and following the resignation of Judge Husnu Al Suood. The elevation of two High Court judges to the Supreme Court created openings that JSC has been working to fill.

Shaheed, who was initially nominated to fill one of these positions, had been active in the political sphere, particularly with the ruling coalition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the People's National Congress (PNC).

His ongoing involvement with party activities drew sustained public criticism, ultimately leading to his voluntary withdrawal from the appointment process.