SJC to resume meeting on references against judges on July 2

Justice Isa excuses himself from sitting in the bench, hearing cases next week

 ISLAMABAD  : The Supreme Judicial Council announced on Friday that it will hold a meeting on July 2 to deliberate over the references filed against two superior court judges—Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice KK Agha.

Justice Isa has excused himself from sitting in the bench and hearing cases next week.

The SJC instead of directly sending a showcause notice has shared a copy of the reference under paragraph No 8 (3) of the SJC Procedure of Enquiry 2005.

“If the council is of the view that before forming an opinion, it should also hear the judge under enquiry, it shall require the said judge to present himself before the council. The council shall provide him with the information and material received against him,” says paragraph No 8 (3) of the SJC Procedure.

A copy of the reference, along with other documents, was delivered to the apex court judge at his Islamabad residence on June 14.

The presidential references were filed against two judges who are widely recognised and acknowledged as independent, upright and competent judges. A former Supreme Court judge – who had taken oath under the 2007 Provisional Constitution Order (PCO) — was hired to file the reference by the Ministry of Law and Justice.

The references accuse the judges of allegedly possessing properties in the United Kingdom.

The move garnered criticism from the legal fraternity with the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) demanding President Dr Arif Alvi’s impeachment for filing the reference, while other bar associations also expressed solidarity with the top court judge.