ISLAMABAD: A detailed 33-page verdict released by a five-judge Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) on Friday concluded that Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi was guilty of misconduct and recommended his removal from the judicial office, along with the revocation of the honorific ‘Justice’ or ‘Judge’ from his name.
The judgement said that the SJC found numerous instances of misconduct by Naqvi, which tarnished the judiciary’s reputation.
Despite Naqvi’s resignation a day before the SJC commenced proceedings on nine complaints against him under Article 209(6), the council proceeded with its investigation. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa remarked on the importance of dispelling the misconception that the judiciary is immune to accountability.
Supreme Judicial Council Criticizes Naqvi for Violating Oath
Although commending the Pakistan Bar Council and four provincial bar councils, along with advocate Mian Dawood, for filing the complaints, the CJP-led SJC criticized Naqvi for violating his oath of office. Naqvi was found to have violated several provisions of the Code of Conduct for judges, with allegations including greed, impropriety, and seeking undue advantage.
Naqvi’s involvement in a suit related to property transactions, receiving substantial unexplained gifts, and acquiring multiple properties within a short span were among the reasons cited for his misconduct. The SJC questioned the legality and ethics behind these actions and highlighted Naqvi’s failure to provide justifiable explanations.
The SJC expressed regret over Naqvi’s swift accumulation of properties within two years of assuming office, noting inconsistencies in his acquisition of multiple properties despite their intended purpose for housing.
In light of these findings, the SJC recommended the removal of Naqvi’s judicial title.
