The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that a judge with a bad reputation and doubts surrounding his integrity cannot continue to hold judicial office, 24NewsHD TV reported on Friday.
In a detailed nine-page judgment given by Justice Shahid Waheed, the court restored the dismissal of an Additional District and Sessions Judge posted in Mailsi.
The ruling overturned a decision that had converted the judge’s dismissal into retirement.
The court observed that the judiciary’s greatest strength is public confidence and that any damage to a judge’s credibility undermines trust in both the courts and the rule of law.
It emphasized that the judicial institution required not only actual integrity but also the appearance of integrity in the eyes of the public.
The judgment stated that the standard expected of judges goes beyond merely proving innocence and requires them to remain above all suspicion.
According to the court, maintaining public trust in the justice system is essential for the effective functioning of the judiciary.
Setting aside the Service Tribunal’s ruling, the Supreme Court held that converting the dismissal into retirement was based on an incorrect interpretation of the law.
The court maintained that where a judge’s bad reputation has been established, dismissal, not retirement, is the appropriate penalty.
The judgment further noted that allowing such a judge to retire with benefits could create the impression that compromises on integrity are acceptable.