Former Chief Justice: Attending swearing-in implies taking oath

Former Chief Justice Ahmed Faiz has asserted that individuals present at an oath-taking ceremony should be considered as having taken the oath, unless they explicitly object to it during the event.

This statement follows a High Court ruling emphasizing the need for robust processes in filling governmental roles requiring an oath.

The High Court's decision was prompted by a case involving Mohamed Sajid, a former special constable from Thinadhoo. Sajid, arrested on July 11 for alleged drug possession, claimed in court that he had attended his swearing-in ceremony but had not actually taken the oath of office.

Faiz highlighted that even Parliament functions as a congregation where oaths are administered. To further refine the process, he suggested that a pre-oath inquiry be made to ascertain if any attendees have objections.

The High Court's judgment underscored the importance of strengthening state policies and procedures to maintain public trust, particularly concerning the legal implications of the oath of office, based on the arguments presented during Sajid's trial.