The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) instructed Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, facing misconduct allegations, to respond to the show-cause notice by January 1.
Chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, the SJC includes Justice Tariq Masood, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Lahore High Court Chief Justice (CJ) Muhammad Ameer Bhatti, and Balochistan High Court (BHC) CJ Naeem Akhtar.
These instructions were issued during the open proceedings of Justice Naqvi’s case, initiated after his application. On October 27, the SJC issued a show-cause notice, prompting Justice Naqvi to respond within two weeks to 10 complaints against him.
In a preliminary response submitted on November 10, Justice Naqvi asserted “serious prejudice” and urged CJP Isa, Justice Masood, and CJ Akhtar to recuse themselves from the matter.
On Nov 20, Justice Naqvi contested SJC proceedings, challenging the show-cause notice, deeming it coram non-judice and lacking lawful authority.
Consequently, a fresh show-cause notice was issued to Justice Naqvi, prompting a reply within two weeks.
On December 4, he expressed intent to pursue a constitutional petition against the revised show-cause notice.
On Dec 6, he drew attention to the SC committee’s silence over his petitions, terming the SJC’s treatment “disgraceful” in a letter to the chief justice and top court judges on Dec 12.
