Abdulla Jameel has taken the oath as a judge of the High Court of the Maldives.

Jameel took the oath of office as a High Court judge during a special ceremony held at the Supreme Court of the Maldives on Sunday.

Previously, Jameel had served as a judge at the Civil Court. With 15 years of experience in the judiciary, Jameel has also worked as a legal counsel for many years.

The vacancy in the High Court judge position arose when Chief Judge Hussain Shaheed and Judge Mohamed Saleem of the High Court were appointed as justices of the Supreme Court of the Maldives.

In addition to Jameel, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) also approved Mohamed Shaheed, a member of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), for appointment as a High Court judge.

When JSC approved his appointment to the position, Shaheed had worked alongside the current President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during the 2023 presidential election. After assuming office, President Muizzu appointed him as a Deputy Minister at the Home Ministry.

Subsequently, Shaheed actively participated in the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)'s campaigns for the 2024 parliamentary elections, even speaking at PPM podiums.

JSC's decision to appoint Shaheed as a High Court judge drew criticism towards the government and JSC from many quarters. Most recently, on Sunday, Shaheed submitted his withdrawal from the judgeship.

Following Shaheed's letter to JSC withdrawing his name, only Jameel took the oath on Sunday.