Justice Jahangiri files complaint against IHC CJ Dogar in SJC
IHC judge says Justice Dogar discussed with him his fake degree case; Argues CJ no more eligible to sit on bench hearing the case
Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri on Wednesday filed a complaint in the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) against IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Sarfaraz Dogar, seeking his removal from the bench hearing his fake degree case, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
In his complaint, Justice Jahangiri said that the IHC CJ discussed with him his case, which was sub judice. “During his discussion with me, CJ Dogar admitted he was under immense pressure to hear the case at the earliest,” the judge said, and added that by discussing with him a case, which was pending in court, the CJ had committed misconduct.
Justice Jahangiri further said that CJ Dogar advised him to resign from the post so that the pressure on him could ease. “By discussing a case, which is sub judice, the chief justice is no more eligible to sit on the bench hearing my case,” the judge said, adding now it was time that he recused from hearing the case.
Jahangiri went on to say it was desirable that the chief justice, instead of coming under pressure, should have followed the code of conduct. “But he did the opposite of that by pressuring me to resign.
Earlier on Wednesday, Justice Tariq Jahangiri challenged the Islamabad High Court’s decision declaring his degree case maintainable, filing an appeal in the Federal Constitutional Court.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, Justice Tariq Jahangiri's appeal seeks to have the high court’s ruling annulled.
The Islamabad High Court had previously declared the case against Justice Jahangiri, concerning the authenticity of his academic degree as maintainable.
Legal observers note that the appeal marks the next stage in a high-profile judicial matter that has attracted considerable attention in Pakistan.
Justice Jahangiri’s legal team argued that the high court’s decision was flawed and that the case should not proceed.
The Federal Constitutional Court will now examine the appeal to determine the next course of action.
The case underscores ongoing scrutiny over judicial qualifications and has generated debate over transparency and accountability within Pakistan’s judicial system.
Reporters: Amanat Gishkori and Ihtesham Kiani