ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) has reached a landmark verdict on Justice Mazahir Naqvi, finding him guilty of misconduct.
The Board’s decision follows a thorough investigation of Naqvi’s conduct, which was found to be inconsistent with expected standards of judicial conduct.
Following the verdict, the Supreme Judicial Council recommended the removal of Justice Mazahir Naqvi from his post. The Council’s position reflects its commitment to uphold the principles of justice and preserve the integrity of the judiciary.
The Council immediately forwarded its opinion to the President and requested approval of the recommended appeal. The move indicates the seriousness of the findings against Justice Naqvi and underscores the Council’s determination to ensure accountability within the judiciary.
On November 22, the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) issued a detailed notice to Supreme Court judge Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi regarding the misconduct complaints filed against him.
The Supreme Judicial Council – the only forum that can investigate the conduct of judges of a superior judiciary – in a 4-1 majority decision ordered the judge to submit a response within 14 days in relation to 10 complaints filed against him.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, along with three other judges, directed Justice Naqvi to file a reply within the stipulated time. However, Justice Ijazul Ahsan dissented from the majority opinion during this landmark decision.
A three-day judicial commission hearing led to the dismissal of a complaint against Justice Sardar Tariq Masood for inadequate answers to crucial questions.
In the proceedings, Justice Mazahir Naqvi raised objections against the three council members who represented themselves during the commission’s meeting through lawyer Khawaja Haris. In particular, there was a formal request to suspend the ongoing proceedings until the Supreme Court decides on the constitutional complaint.
Earlier, Justice Mazahir Ali Akbar Naqvi took a bold stand against the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) in an open letter addressed to the Chief Justice and Supreme Court judges.
In his letter, Justice Naqvi expressed serious concerns about the bias shown by the Chairman and members of the Council during the proceedings against him.
He accused Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Tariq Masood of urging former Chief Justice Umar Atta Bandial to take action against him. He strongly denied any allegiance outside the Supreme Court and the people of Pakistan and emphasized that he refused to pander to any political agenda.
“I am ready to face the consequences for refusing to yield to any undue pressure,” Justice Naqvi said, expressing his unwavering determination to challenge what he sees as the unjust actions of the Supreme Judicial Council.
Justice Naqvi further pointed to the unprecedented occurrence of the Judicial Council continuing to prosecute despite motions filed, which signaled disregard for the judicial process. He criticized the issuance of the second notice of the case by the Council citing constitutional and legal deficiencies and challenged the competence of the Council members due to their alleged bias.
Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi guilty of misconduct: SJC
