The Judicial Service Commission of the Maldives (JSC) has opened applications for the vacancy at the Supreme Court.

JSC made the announcement on Thursday, revealing that the opportunity was opened following former Justice Justice Abdul Ghanee Mohamed’s dismissal on 4 December and as such, opens the opportunity for interested individuals to apply.

In compliance with Article 148 (a) of the Maldives Constitution, “the president shall appoint the Judges of the Supreme Court, after consulting with JSC and confirmation of the appointees by a majority of the members of the People’s Majlis present and voting”, applications are to be submitted along with certificates, curriculum vitae and supporting documents of previous employment by 12pm on 17 December, a Tuesday.

During the siting on 4 December, 64 parliamentarians voted in favor of Ghanee’s dismissal.

The report by JSC following a disciplinary investigation, was forwarded to the parliament’s judiciary committee on 27 November. He was suspended for a period of 60 days prior.

Before Ghanee, three other justices were removed through parliament since it’s 19th tenure began. As such, removed were Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi, Justice Adam Mohamed Abdulla and Justice Abdulla Didi.

Further, Justice Abdulla Areef had resigned from his position,

Remaining on the bench are Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, Aisha Shujoon Mohamed and Mahaaz Zahir who were appointed recently while Ahmed Muthasim Adnan and Husnu Al Suood were appointed to the bench on 8 December.

Article 154 (b) of the constitution allows judges to be removed through People’s Majlis if they are found guilty of gross misconduct and they may only be removed in two-thirds majority of parliamentarians votes in favor.

As per law, the Supreme Court bench consists of seven justices.