Another complaint filed against Justice Mazahar in SJC

ISLAMABAD: Another complaint of misconduct was filed with the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) against Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, judge of the Supreme Court.

The complaint was filed by a Quetta based lawyer, Muhammad Shabbir Rajput, under Article 209 of the Constitution, praying the SJC to recommend removal of Justice Mazahar from the office of judge of the Supreme Court for lack of highest qualities of intellect and lack of wise opinion in the interest of general public and integrity of the country’s apex court.

The lawyer submitted that in the judgment of Nazir Ahmed’s case (PLD 2014 SC 241), Justice Mazahar has made observations in so many words, more particularly in paras No 17 to 21 which undermine the public perception about his capacity and ability. The complainant contended that as per Article II of the code of conduct for the judges of Supreme Court and high courts, a judge should be wise in his opinion.

It is pertinent to mention that complaints of misconduct have already been filed against Justice Naqvi with the SJC by the Pakistan Bar Council and others.

The SJC had already issued a show cause notice to Justice Mazahar for submitting reply and recently he has sought time for submitting his reply.

Justice Mazahar has also challenged the complaints against him in the SJC in the Supreme Court under Article 184(3) of the Constitution, terming them a direct and blatant attack on the independence of judiciary.