Videogate: Former judge challenges removal in LHC

Former accountability court judge Arshad Malik on Saturday challenged his removal in the Lahore High Court (LHC)

An administrative committee of the high court had dismissed the district and sessions judge from service for misconduct on the basis of an investigation into a video released by PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz, showing the judge ‘confessing’ to convicting Nawaz under duress. The inquiry report declared Malik guilty.

The former accountability court judge challenged his removal and contended that the rules and regulations for the dismissal were not met, the management committee had prepared a report contrary to the facts and that misconduct was not committed. He requested that the decision should be reconsidered.

Moreover, a three-member tribunal has been constituted to hear the dismissal of the former judge.

Justice Muhammad Tariq Abbasi has been appointed as the chairman of the tribunal whereas, Justice Masood Naqvi and Justice Sajid Sethi have been appointed as members.

Following the approval of LHC Chief Justice Qasim Khan, a notification was issued to form a tribunal to hear the service appeals of the judges of the lower judiciary.

The LHC had sacked Judge Arshad Malik in a video scandal in July. His removal was approved by the LHC's executive committee. The registrar of the high court had issued a notification on August 6, dismissing Judge Arshad Malik.