Justice Mazahar Naqvi challenges SJC notice in Supreme Court

ISLAMABAD: Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi has formally contested a notice issued by the Supreme Judicial Council by filing a constitutional petition in the Supreme Court.

Represented by attorney Makhdoom Ali Khan, the petition asserts that the ongoing campaign against Justice Naqvi constitutes a direct assault on the judiciary’s independence.

In the filed petition, Justice Naqvi has said that the Supreme Judicial Council, by issuing a notice, overlooked his objections and further transgressed by violating his fundamental rights through the issuance of a press release on October 27.

The petitioner has contended that the SJC’s actions amount to an infringement on judicial autonomy.

Furthermore, the petitioner has urged the Supreme Court to bring an end to the proceedings initiated by the Supreme Judicial Council and to declare the notice served by the council as illegitimate.

SJC meets next week to take up reference against Justice Mazahar Naqvi

Justice Naqvi, in his application, has named the Federation, the president and the Supreme Judicial Council as parties.

The reference against Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi is a complaint filed by some lawyers, accusing him of misconduct, malpractices, misuse of power, and having assets beyond means.

The reference was triggered by the audio leaks that allegedly featured a conversation between Justice Naqvi and former Punjab chief minister Parvez Elahi about the fixation of a case.

The reference requested an independent inquiry against Justice Naqvi and his removal from the office of the Supreme Court judge.