Quo Warranto Now Being Used Against Judges After Politicians: Justice Jahangiri’s Fake Degree Case in Islamabad High Court

Islamabad: The use of “quo warranto,” previously employed against members of parliament, has now extended to removing judges from office.

A division bench of the Islamabad High Court, headed by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, approved a quo warranto petition against Justice Tariq Jahangiri over a fake degree and issued a notice for him to appear in court today.

Following the reinstatement of judges in March 2009, the higher judiciary had exercised the power of quo warranto under Article 184(3) to remove dozens of parliamentarians, two prime ministers, two NAB chairmen, and multiple government officials for fake degrees, dual nationality, or non-disclosure of assets.

Senior lawyers agree that the use of quo warranto against parliament members weakened the legislature, primarily targeting the PML-N and PPP.

After the 27th Amendment, the balance shifted, giving the administration significant influence over the judiciary. Judges not aligned with the government now reportedly face challenges from their peers.

Sources indicate that Justice Tariq Jahangiri is likely to appear in court today. Some legal circles have objected to the petition being entertained, warning that if such cases continue, Article 209—which allows only the Supreme Judicial Council to take action against judges—could become irrelevant.