In a monumental decision, the Supreme Court (SC) has invalidated the dismissal of former Islamabad High Court (IHC) senior puisne judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui. The verdict, delivered by a five-member bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, marks a significant milestone in judicial accountability and transparency.
Justice Siddiqui’s plea against his removal, stemming from a controversial speech he delivered at the Rawalpindi Bar Association, prompted a rigorous examination of the Supreme Judicial Council’s (SJC) proceedings. The SC’s ruling highlights procedural lapses and the absence of due process in Siddiqui’s dismissal.
Critically, the SC emphasized the SJC’s failure to conduct a proper inquiry before reaching its decision, underscoring the importance of upholding fundamental rights and judicial independence. The verdict effectively nullifies Siddiqui’s termination, recognizing his right to retirement benefits and privileges.
Moreover, the SC condemned the SJC’s handling of the case, citing a lack of transparency and fairness in adjudicating misconduct allegations against the former judge. The ruling underscores the imperative of adhering to established legal norms and conducting thorough investigations into judicial conduct.
For Justice Siddiqui, the verdict represents the culmination of a seven-year ordeal, marking a decisive victory against institutional injustice and undue interference in judicial affairs. While acknowledging the verdict’s significance, Siddiqui lamented the absence of a comprehensive inquiry into his allegations, emphasizing the need for robust judicial oversight mechanisms.
In essence, the SC’s verdict not only rectifies past injustices but also serves as a beacon of hope for upholding the principles of fairness and accountability within Pakistan’s judiciary.
