Sacked IHC judge’s plea accepted for hearing

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Thursday accepted for hearing a petition filed by former Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui seeking restoration of his service.
A five-member larger bench of the apex court headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel and Justice Sajjad Ali Shah heard the petition seeking setting aside of report/opinion of Supreme Judicial Council and a notification issued by Ministry of Law dated Oct 11, 2018, sacking him from the post.
During the course of proceedings, the court issued notice to the attorney general for Pakistan and directed the Islamabad and Karachi bars to amend their appeals.
Advocate Salahuddin, counsel for the petitioner, argued that former Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui had leveled nine allegations, which should be investigated.
His allegations of institutional interference in the judiciary had created a negative public perception, he added.
Justice Ijazul Ahsan asked the lawyer asked how did he prove public opinion? Had there been a survey based on which he could make such a claim? he asked.
He advised the counsel to discuss things which could be proved.
Justice Bandial remarked that the prosecution should use appropriate language in arguments. It did not matter if people come or go, don’t despise the institutions, this country and its institutions have to live and prosper forever, he added.
The court adjourned hearing for one month.–APP