IHC suspends judge who stayed SC order

Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq on Wednesday suspended a senior civil judge, Muhammad Inamullah, who had stayed an order of the Supreme Court with regard to illegal constructions at the capital's Margalla hills.

According to sources, Judge Inamullah appeared before the IHC chief justice earlier in the day. Justice Farooq subsequently placed him on special duty (OSD), directing him to report to the IHC. He also ordered an inquiry into the matter, appointing Sessions Judge Kamran Basharat Mufti as the inquiry officer.

An OSD is a bureaucrat or civil servant temporarily relieved of regular duties, typically while awaiting a new posting or assignment. This status can be viewed as neutral or negative, depending on the circumstances.

The Supreme Court on Oct 7 expressed its wonder at the senior civil judge's decision to stay its order with regard to illegal constructions at Margalla hills, noting that such an order is tantamount to contempt of court.

During the hearing, Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, who was leading a three-member bench, said it was remarkable that a civil judge was halting the implementation of Supreme Court orders.