Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri is poised to personally plead his case in the Supreme Court following his suspension from judicial duties. Justice Jahangiri has opted to represent himself instead of hiring legal counsel. He entered the Supreme Court on Friday through the public entrance, obtaining a visitor’s pass. Several fellow judges accompanied him as a display of unity.
Among those demonstrating their backing for Justice Jahangiri were Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Babar Sattar, Justice Ejaz Ishaq, and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz, who also came to the Supreme Court.
An IHC division bench, led by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, had directed Justice Jahangiri to cease judicial activities pending a conclusive ruling.
During an IHC hearing on a petition challenging Justice Jahangiri’s work suspension, Chief Justice Dogar and Justice Azam Khan heard arguments from attorney Raja Aleem Abbasi. Abbasi cautioned that prohibiting a sitting judge from their responsibilities could establish a “perilous benchmark,” noting that two Supreme Court verdicts already addressed similar issues.
The tribunal inquired whether Abbasi was a party to the proceedings. The lawyer representing the Islamabad Bar Association replied, ‘We uphold the principle of legality, and bar associations are vital participants.’
Chief Justice Dogar emphasized that the right to a hearing is paramount and the court would examine administrative objections. He also highlighted a crucial legal inquiry: If a case is before the Supreme Judicial Council, can the High Court still be petitioned?