President Asif Ali Zardari sanctioned the ousting of Supreme Court Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi on Wednesday following the Supreme Judicial Council’s (SJC) finding of misconduct.
The Law and Justice Ministry released the dismissal notice, citing constitutional articles and official rules as the basis for this action, effective January 10, 2024. The announcement clarified that a previous resignation notice for Justice Naqvi was retracted.
Justice Naqvi had resigned amid misconduct allegations in January, a decision that coincided with Justice Ijazul Ahsan’s resignation, sparking speculation.
In his resignation, Naqvi cited untenable conditions for his continuation on the bench.
After extensive review, the SJC declared that Naqvi’s actions warranted removal before his resignation. This decision reflects the Council’s stance on maintaining judicial integrity. The SJC, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, evaluated multiple complaints against Naqvi, dismissing five but confirming misconduct in others.
This decision aligns with a recent Supreme Court ruling, ensuring SJC proceedings continue regardless of a judge’s resignation or retirement.
