Judicial inquiry scrapped as LHC judge named in Panama Papers resigns

ISLAMABAD: Justice Mohammad Farrukh Irfan Khan of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday tendered his resignation, as the Supreme Judicial Council’s inquiry against him was about to be concluded.

The senior judge sent his resignation to President Dr Arif Alvi. He had been working as LHC judge since February 20, 2010.

Justice Irfan was facing a reference on misconduct after his name surfaced in the Panama Papers’ list of individuals having properties abroad and allegedly involved in money laundering. The SJC had in February 2017 issued a show-cause notice to the judge.

The Supreme Judicial Council – a body of judges empowered under Article 209 of the Constitution to hear cases of misconduct against judges –  heard the reference against Justice Irfan.

SJC’s five-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa had sought answers to several questions in connection with his sources of income.

The council summoned him on Tuesday to record his statement. However, SJC wrapped up the proceedings after it was informed of his resignation.

During the last hearing on April 8, the statements of two witnesses were recorded. In another hearing on March 11, the CJ had expressed displeasure over the case being pending for the last three years.

A former bureaucrat of the district management group, Nazar Muhammad Chohan had filed the reference against Justice Irfan.