Supreme Court set to convene hearing on IHC judges’ letter today

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) will convene a hearing on Wednesday (today) to address a suo motu notice initiated by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa on Monday in response to a letter jointly penned by six judges from the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa will preside over the seven-member larger bench, with proceedings set to commence at 11:30 am.

Joining Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa on the bench will be Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Musarrat Hilali, Justice Athar Minallah, and Justice Yahya Afridi.

Read more: CJ Isa takes notice of IHC judges’ letter, hearing on Wednesday

The panel will examine the concerns outlined in the letter regarding alleged interference in judicial matters.

Following the letter’s submission, the government quickly established a one-member inquiry commission led by former Chief Justice Tassaduq Jillani to investigate the claims.

However, Justice Tassaduq Jillani resigned from his position as commission head, citing undisclosed reasons.

In response to Justice Tassaduq Jillani’s resignation and subsequent apology, the Supreme Court invoked article 184(3) of the constitution, granting it the authority to address significant public issues. The SC can summon individuals, government officials, or documents from any government department, and may take action through a petition or suo motu notice.

Read more: Judges’ letter: Ex-CJP Jillani recuses himself from heading commission

Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) voiced its support for the Supreme Court’s actions, welcoming the institution’s decision to address the judges’ concerns.

IHCBA President Ali Azad and Secretary Shafqat Abbas Tarar confirmed the IHCBA’s intention to actively participate in the forthcoming hearing.