In a startling development within the judicial sphere, Sessions Judge Larkana Sharaf-ud-Din Shah has announced his resignation, citing alleged “inappropriate behavior” by a senior judge of the Sindh High Court (SHC), Justice Saleem Jaisar.
The sessions judge forwarded his resignation to the Sindh High Court Registrar, outlining a series of grievances and concerns that led to his decision to step down from his service.
Having served the judiciary for 27.5 years across various districts in Sindh, Judge Shah emphasized his commitment to the peaceful administration of justice. He highlighted his exemplary record of case disposal, which consistently ranked among the top in the province, as per data available on the Sindh High Court website.
However, Judge Shah detailed instances of alleged interference and coercion by senior officials, particularly in the appointment process of a peon based on non-compliant grounds. He accused Additional Registrar Mr. Samiullah Qureshi of pressuring him to make the appointment without proper verification, leading to a breach of protocol and undermining the integrity of the judicial system.
Furthermore, Judge Shah raised concerns about the conduct of Justice Saleem Jaisar, alleging that the senior judge had attempted to influence him in the appointment process and reacted angrily when his requests were denied. He also claimed to have faced threats from individuals associated with Justice Jaisar for not adhering to their demands.
The sessions judge further lamented the lack of respect and professionalism displayed during an inspection visit by Justice Jaisar, where directives were allegedly issued by junior officials in disregard of protocol. He also decried the dissemination of purportedly baseless notices against him on social media, causing unwarranted damage to his reputation.
In light of these grievances and the hostile working environment, Judge Shah concluded that it was untenable for him to continue his service as a District and Sessions Judge. He expressed deep regret at the circumstances leading to his resignation but asserted that the dignity of the judiciary must be upheld at all costs.
The resignation of Judge Sharaf-ud-Din Shah underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and professionalism within the judicial system, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the allegations raised against Justice Saleem Jaisar and other implicated officials.
