Pakistan Supreme Court declares judge’s suspension ineffective in fake degree row

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Tuesday scrapped an earlier order barring a judge embroiled in a fake degree row from performing his duties.

The court scrapped an earlier order that had barred Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri from performing judicial functions. He was reinstated on Monday.

The court ruled that a judge cannot be sidelined under an interim order and directed the Islamabad High Court to first hear registrar’s objections on whether a petition challenging his appointment was maintainable.

Jahangiri had been suspended earlier this month after the University of Karachi canceled his law degree, citing irregularities in his enrollment record.

The Islamabad High Court then issued a restraining order preventing him from hearing cases pending review by the Supreme Judicial Council, Pakistan’s top forum for judicial accountability.

Jahangiri challenged that decision in the Supreme Court, arguing alongside four other high court judges that only the Judicial Council, not a chief justice, has the authority to restrict a sitting judge’s powers.

The case has sparked heated scenes in courtrooms.

Lawyers at the Sindh High Court protested last week after petitions against Jahangiri’s degree were dismissed.

During earlier proceedings, Jahangiri defended himself, saying, “Nowhere in the world does a judge stand in the dock as an accused. I swear by God and His Prophet (PBUH) that I have honored my oath.”

While the Supreme Court has restored Jahangiri’s judicial authority, the University of Karachi has stood by its decision to revoke his degree, leaving the controversy unresolved.