Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri has challenged the Sindh High Court (SHC) decision in the Supreme Court. He argued that the SHC declared his law degree invalid without giving him a chance to be heard. In his plea, Justice Jahangiri requested the Supreme Court to strike down the SHC ruling of September 25. He maintained that the court dismissed his request to become a party in the case and ignored the maintainability of the petitions.
Plea Cites Violation Of Natural Justice
The petition claimed that the SHC’s order violated principles of natural justice. It stated that the affected party was denied an opportunity to present arguments or hire a lawyer. Respondents in the case include the Sindh Education Commission, Karachi University (KU), PEMRA, and others.
Supreme Court’s Earlier Intervention
This development follows a Supreme Court ruling on September 30. In that case, the apex court set aside an Islamabad High Court interim order suspending Justice Jahangiri from judicial duties.
The Supreme Court held that no judge could be barred from work through an interim order. Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, petitioner Mian Dawood, and other lawyers agreed that the suspension was not legally justified.
Degree Controversy Background
The degree issue began in 2023 after a Karachi University letter appeared on social media. The letter raised doubts about the validity of Justice Jahangiri’s LLB degree obtained in 1991. It cited discrepancies in enrollment records and called the degree invalid, though not fake.
On September 1, 2024, KU’s syndicate cancelled the degree based on findings of its Unfair Means Committee. However, the SHC suspended the cancellation on September 5, noting that the action was taken without hearing the judge.
On September 16, the Islamabad High Court barred Justice Jahangiri from performing judicial functions until the Supreme Judicial Council gave its decision. Jahangiri appealed this order, and the Supreme Court restored his judicial powers.
Shc Proceedings And Ruling
During SHC hearings, petitions against KU’s cancellation faced disruption. Lawyers walked out of the courtroom in protest, leading to dismissal of petitions for non-prosecution. The bench, headed by Justices Mohammad Karim Khan Agha and Adnan-ul-Karim Memon, recorded the disorder and warned lawyers to maintain decorum.
The SHC later upheld KU’s stance. The court observed that Jahangiri had been barred from admission and exams in the late 1980s due to alleged use of unfair means. On this basis, it concluded that his enrollment and degree were invalid.
Justice Jahangiri’s Stance
In his petition to the Supreme Court, Justice Jahangiri argued that the cancellation of his degree was unlawful and politically motivated. He described the actions as malicious, undermining his role as a sitting judge and former bar officeholder.
He further claimed that the degree case was a form of retaliation. Earlier in 2024, he was among six Islamabad High Court judges who signed a letter alleging interference and surveillance by state agencies. He believes the degree allegations emerged in response to that move.
