Degree case: Justice Jahangiri objects to Inclusion of IHC CJ Dogar's inclusion in bench

Islamabad (Web Desk): Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) appeared before a division bench on Monday to address a long-pending petition questioning the authenticity of his law degree.

The bench, led by IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar alongside Justice Muhammad Azam Khan, reviewed the quo warranto petition that has been lingering for over a year.

During the proceedings, Justice Jahangiri raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest, telling CJ Dogar, “You are also a judge and I am also a judge. My appeal against you is pending,” and requested that his objection be officially recorded. He highlighted that judges had challenged CJ Dogar’s transfer, which he suggested could compromise impartiality in his case.

Justice Jahangiri argued that he was being denied the opportunity to carry out his judicial duties without being properly heard.

He questioned the court’s decision to provide only three days’ notice for a petition that had been filed almost a year and a half ago. Additionally, he pointed out that the Islamabad High Court had never before handled a quo warranto petition through a division bench, saying, “My right to a division bench has been affected.”

He further warned of the wider implications of mishandling the case, stating, “Do not open this Pandora’s box, everyone's turbans will be blown off.” Defending the authenticity of his degree, he swore on the Quran and emphasized that Karachi University had never labeled his degree as fake.

Expressing his lack of confidence in the bench hearing his case, Justice Jahangiri told the chief justice, “I do not have confidence in you. You should not hear this case.” In response, CJ Dogar remarked, “It’s alright, it makes no difference; that decision has already been made. You were kind enough to take everyone to the Supreme Court.”

When Justice Jahangiri pressed that proper notice should have been issued, CJ Dogar maintained that it had been. Justice Jahangiri countered, “No, sir, it has not. You should have issued me a notice.”

Referencing judicial history, he stated that such treatment was unprecedented, adding, “Even a patwari is not stopped from working the way you stopped me.” He noted that the Sindh High Court had stayed the cancellation of his degree and suggested the Supreme Judicial Council should oversee the matter.

CJ Dogar assured Justice Jahangiri that he would be treated fairly, just like anyone else. The court ordered Karachi University’s registrar to provide all relevant records and documentation to the judge.

The petitioner requested that hearings proceed on a day-to-day basis due to delays, while Justice Jahangiri sought additional time to submit his response. The court adjourned the proceedings until Thursday.