Disgraced former Supreme Court Justice Abdul Ghani Mohamed has been appointed as Chief Justice after receiving swift parliamentary approval, just a day after his nomination was submitted by President Mohamed Muizzu.
Ghani, who was previously removed from the Supreme Court in 2019 following a Judicial Service Commission (JSC) probe, was sworn in on Wednesday at a ceremony held at the President’s Office. The oath was administered by Supreme Court Justice Abdulla Hameed.
On Tuesday, the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC)-controlled Parliament approved Ghani’s appointment with 62 votes in favour. The process moved rapidly, with Parliament’s Judiciary Committee reviewing the nomination and putting it to a vote within 24 hours of receiving it from the president.
Ghani’s nomination followed the retirement of Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan last month. He was one of three former judges who expressed interest in the role, alongside former High Court Chief Justice Shujau Usman and former Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed.
Before his dismissal in 2019, Ghani had served on the Civil Court, High Court, and Supreme Court. His removal by a unanimous parliamentary vote came after allegations tied to politically sensitive rulings, including blocking the suspension of Justice Abdulla Didi amid bribery claims and supporting the disqualification of 12 opposition MPs.
The Supreme Court has undergone significant reshuffling in recent months. Three of its current seven members were appointed by President Muizzu, while Justices Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir were removed by Parliament following JSC investigations. Justice Husnu Al Suood resigned, citing political interference.
Ghani now assumes leadership of a reconstituted bench that is expected to preside over politically charged cases, including challenges to recent constitutional amendments affecting MP defections and seat retention.