Court denies media reports on chief justice’s ill health

The Supreme Court has denied media reports of Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed suffering from ill health.

Several local media outlets had reported that Saeed was abruptly flown to Singapore on April 16 for emergency eye surgery. The court said the reports were “completely false”.

The apex court said in a statement yesterday that the chief justice will resume duties shortly after “a very successful treatment,” but did not reveal details.

Freedom of expression and press freedom should be exercised constructively and responsibly without infringing on the rights of others, the court said.

Saeed was appointed chief justice following the controversial removal of former Chief Justice Ahmed Faiz Hussain in December.