Ahmed Nimal Junaid, the Chief Judge of the Civil Court, has passed away at the age of 36. Junaid reportedly succumbed to a heart attack while having dinner at his home in Male’ late Tuesday evening. 

Originally mistaken for severe gastritis, his symptoms escalated rapidly, and was pronounced dead on arrival at Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

Junaid was a distinguished member of the judiciary, holding a Bachelor of Laws degree in Sharia. He began his tenure as a Civil Court Judge in March 2022, initially serving as a temporary Chief Justice from August 22, 2022, following the retirement of Chief Justice Abdulla Ali. He was officially appointed to the position of Chief Judge of the Civil Court on 9 May 2023.

Sources within the judiciary confirmed that Junaid had attended work on Tuesday and showed no signs of illness prior to his tragic passing. This unexpected loss has sent ripples through the judiciary and the nation at large.

In honour of his service and in mourning of his untimely death, the Supreme Court has declared that the flag of the judiciary will fly at half-mast for the subsequent three days.

The funeral service for the late Chief Judge took place at the mosque located in the Hulhumale’ Cemetery.