Another complaint filed against Justice Mazahar over 'lack of intellect'

• Complaint filed by lawyer under Article 209 of Constitution.
• Superior courts judges should be wise in opinion, says complainant.
• SJC has already issued show cause notice to Justice Mazahar.

ISLAMABAD: Another complaint of misconduct has been filed against Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi of the Supreme Court, seeking his removal over “lack of highest qualities of intellect,” reported The News on Sunday.

The complaint was filed by a Quetta-based lawyer, Muhammad Shabbir Rajput, with the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) under Article 209 of the Constitution.

The complainant prayed the SJC to recommend the removal of Justice Mazahar from the office of judge of the Supreme Court for lack of the highest qualities of intellect and lack of wise opinion in the interest of the general public and integrity of the country’s apex court.

The lawyer submitted that in the judgment of Nazir Ahmed’s case (PLD 2014 SC 241), Justice Mazahar made observations in so many words, more particularly in paras No 17 to 21 which undermined the public perception of his capacity and ability.

The complainant contended that as per Article II of the code of conduct for the judges of the Supreme Court and high courts, a judge should be wise in his opinion.

It is pertinent to mention that misconduct complaints have already been filed against Justice Mazahar with the SJC by the Pakistan Bar Council and others.

The SJC had already issued a show cause notice to Justice Mazahar for submitting a reply and recently he has sought time to submit his reply.

Justice Mazahar Naqvi has also challenged the complaints against him in the SJC in the Supreme Court under Article 184(3) of the Constitution, terming them a direct and blatant attack on the independence of the judiciary.