Judge warns against willful injustice

Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri has said that if a judge intentionally makes a wrong judgment, he will incur the wrath of Allah.

Addressing the IHC Bar Association in the federal capital, Justice Jahangiri said the judges take oath to safeguard the Constitution and law, adding that each judge should make decisions as per this oath. "Judges sit on the chair of justice. If they do injustice, the ultimate court is the court of the lord (Allah). It is my belief that Allah will dispense justice," said the IHC judge.

He said the incident of February 8, 2021 had created a gulf between the bar and the bench which is being narrowed. He advised lawyers to come prepared to the court during the hearings as their assistance will help judges make better decisions.

"We keep in mind while drafting a judgment that it is our examination," said Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri. He, however, added that a decision can be wrong, which is why appeals can be filed in other courts to seek justice.

He said that if a judge makes a wrong decision deliberately, they will face the curse of Allah. "I can cite many examples where, if the worldly court fails to dispense justice, Allah ensures justice is served to the complainant," he added.

The judge remarked that when intentions are clear, Allah paves the way for the righteous.

He recalled that there was a prevailing trend to lodge multiple cases in different parts of the country on the same charge. However, he said, he ruled that several FIRs could not be lodged for the same incident.

In his address, IHC Bar Association President Riasat Ali Azad said that most of the bar members are Justice Jahangiri's students. The judiciary needs such brave and independent judges. The bars, as the vanguards of the judiciary, must be strengthened.

At the end of the ceremony, the bar presented a memorabilia to Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri.