Degree Case: Justice Tariq Jahangiri Alleges Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar Suggested His Resignation

Islamabad: Justice Tariq Jahangiri of the Islamabad High Court has alleged that Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar suggested that he should resign in connection with the ongoing degree case.

In the degree case proceedings, Justice Jahangiri has filed a formal request seeking the recusal of the Chief Justice from the bench. In his application, he claimed that the degree case was discussed by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar with him and certain others, despite the matter being sub judice.

Justice Jahangiri stated that the Chief Justice acknowledged facing pressure to take up the degree case for an early hearing. According to the application, Chief Justice Dogar directly and indirectly suggested that Justice Jahangiri submit a post-dated resignation. He further alleged that he was advised to hand over the resignation to the Chief Justice, with the explanation that this would help reduce the pressure being exerted on him.

Justice Jahangiri argued that after discussing a pending matter, the Chief Justice was no longer eligible to continue hearing the case. He maintained that Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar should step aside from the bench, as discussing a sub judice matter amounted to a violation of the judicial code of conduct.

In his plea, Justice Jahangiri further stated that upon coming under pressure, the Chief Justice should have acted strictly in accordance with the code of conduct. Instead, he alleged, the Chief Justice exerted pressure on a fellow judge by advising him to resign.

Justice Jahangiri also disclosed that he has filed a complaint against Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar before the Supreme Judicial Council and reiterated that the Chief Justice should recuse himself from hearing the degree case.