ISLAMABAD:
Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has detached himself from the apex court bench hearing cases involving Bahria Town which is owned by billionaire property developer Malik Riaz.
Justice Chaudhry will not sit on the three-member bench hearing the cases, including the murder of Defence Housing Authority Islamabad’s security guard in a case of land grabbing involving Rs5 billion.
The cases will be heard by a bench comprising Justice Jawwad S Khawaja and Justice Khilji Arif Hussain.
Since Riaz has levelled serious allegations against the chief justice, Justice Chaudhry will not hear cases involving Bahria Town, reads a written order of the court.
A three-judge apex court bench, headed by Justice Shakirullah Jan, is currently hearing a contempt of court case against Riaz.
Justice Chaudhry had taken a suo motu notice of reported financial irregularities involving his son Arsalan Iftikhar and Malik Riaz.
Justice Chaudhry said his decision to step down from the bench was inspired by the conduct of the fourth Caliph Hazrat Ali (RA), who had disassociated himself from a battle when he felt that his personal interests influenced his decisions instead of God’s will. He claimed that the judiciary should not be biased and all the verdicts should be announced on merit.
The court also adjourned the hearing of the security guard murder case until June 25.
Published In The Express Tribune, June 23rd, 2012.
COMMENTS (3)
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when he realized he just quit himself from the bench. . .
CJ makes the right decision in stepping down from this case, as any kind of personal intrest might influence his decision.
I wonder why didn't he detach himself earlier, or why appointed himself for the case in the first place.