Judge Jahangiri Alleges Misconduct by Chief Justice in Degree Case

ISLAMABAD: In an extraordinary development, Justice Tariq Jahangiri has leveled grave allegations of misconduct against Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, making several significant and unusual disclosures in a formal application.

According to Justice Jahangiri, the Chief Justice discussed the pending “degree case” with him and a few other individuals. He alleged that Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar admitted facing intense pressure to expedite the hearing of the case. Justice Jahangiri further claimed that the Chief Justice, both directly and indirectly, suggested that he submit a post-dated resignation and hand it over to the Chief Justice, stating that this step would help reduce the pressure being exerted.

Justice Jahangiri asserted that after discussing a sub-judice matter, the Chief Justice was no longer eligible to continue sitting on the bench for that case. He maintained that the Chief Justice should recuse himself, as engaging in discussions about a pending matter constitutes a violation of the judicial code of conduct.

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He further alleged that instead of adhering to the code of conduct after coming under pressure, the Chief Justice chose to exert pressure on a fellow judge by advising him to resign. Justice Jahangiri stated that he has formally filed a complaint against Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar with the Supreme Judicial Council.

In his application, Justice Jahangiri emphasized that Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar should withdraw from hearing the degree case in order to uphold judicial propriety and the principles of fairness and transparency.

The matter has now taken a serious constitutional and judicial turn, and further developments are awaited.