Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa has scheduled a Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) meeting for November 20 to scrutinize complaints lodged against apex court judges. The initiative follows allegations against Justices Sayyed Mazahir Ali Akbar Naqvi and Sardar Tariq Masood.
In the meeting, Chief Justice Isa aims to meticulously evaluate the complaint while addressing objections from Justices Naqvi and Masood about potential biases in the council, particularly regarding Chief Justice Isa and Justice Naeem Afghan’s roles in the proceedings.
Justice Naqvi has responded to a show cause notice issued by the SJC, questioning the impartiality of several members, including Chief Justice Isa, Justice Masood, and Justice Afghan. He argues that the proceedings against him, which he deems politically motivated and lacking in legal legitimacy, are tainted with bias.
Justice Naqvi’s 18-page submission emphasizes his concerns about the participation of these members in the SJC, given their involvement in the inquiry commission investigating audio leak allegations against him.
Disqualification Claims and Judicial Deliberations
Additionally, Justice Naqvi asserts that the proceedings involving him are currently sub judice, further complicating the situation. He insists that Justice Masood, having previously expressed opinions on the complaints, should be disqualified from hearing the cases against him in the SJC. Justice Naqvi highlights a perceived strategic delay in Justice Masood’s opinion until a change in the SJC’s composition occurred post-former Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial’s tenure.
The unfolding scenario showcases the intricate dynamics within the judiciary as the SJC prepares to address these significant allegations and objections.”
