The chief position of Maldives appellate court is set to transfer to its sitting Judge Shuaib Hussain Zakariya, reports Judicial Service Commission.
The judicial body's move comes following the suspension of Maldives High Court's Chief Judge Shujau Usman. JSC confirms Shuaib's reappointment as appellate court's chief judge will become effective from 22 July 2020, Wednesday onward.
Meanwhile JSC clarifies High Court Chief Judge Shujau Usman's suspension will span for a two-month duration following multiple complaints lodged against him.
The judicial body is currently investigating two cases related to the now suspended appellate court, one of the dates back to 2018 during presidential election. The suspended judge is alleged of campaigning for one of the presidential candidates following an unofficial visit to Gaaf Alif Gemanafushi.
Judge Usman is further alleged of proposing acquittal of an individual under arrest; who at the time carried a Criminal Court verdict. Allegations are made of Usman meeting with the family of the prisoner to host the said discussion; during which the judge had proposed the family to vote a specific presidential candidate in order to meet the terms.
During the ongoing cases against Judge Usman, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) move towards his suspension and the subsequent appointment of Judge Shuaib Hussin Zakariya to the vacant designation.
