The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has declared a petition admissible. This plea seeks verification of Justice Jahangiri degree case credentials. The court directed all respondents to submit replies swiftly. They must file their responses within three days. A two-member division bench heard the arguments. This bench included IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar.
Controversy Surrounding the LLB Degree
The Justice Jahangiri degree case centers on his LLB qualification. The University of Karachi previously cancelled this degree. The university confirmed this via a notification on September 25. The notification detailed the syndicate’s decision. It upheld a finding of “unfair means” against the judge. Consequently, Justice Jahangiri was barred for three years from exams or university admissions. The university also clarified a key fact. Justice Jahangiri was never enrolled at Islamia Law College, Karachi, in 1989.
Arguments on Maintainability
Advocate Mian Dawood filed the petition. He argued the case was maintainable under quo warranto. This writ challenges the eligibility of a public office holder. He asserted that Article 193 requires a high court judge to be a qualified advocate. Dawood stressed that the burden of proof is now on the judge. The court must determine if it can hear a plea against a high court judge. The Justice Jahangiri degree case is complex legally.
Islamabad Bar’s Opposition
Lawyers from the Islamabad Bar opposed the petition’s maintainability. They strongly argued that this matter falls outside IHC’s jurisdiction. They stated that issues concerning a judge’s conduct fall under the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). Furthermore, they argued that Bar Councils issue licenses and verify advocate qualifications. Doubts about a judge’s 10 years of advocacy must go to the Bar Council. The bar emphasized that the high court should not act as a fact-finding body against its own colleague. They asked the court not to interfere with the Bar Council’s authority.
Court Decision and Next Steps
After hearing arguments from all sides, the IHC division bench made its ruling. The court declared Mian Dawood’s petition admissible. This formal acceptance means the court will proceed with the matter. The judge and all parties must submit their detailed responses. The deadline for these submissions is three days. The Justice Jahangiri degree case will now move forward in the IHC.
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