In a significant development, Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, the senior-most member of Pakistan’s Supreme Judicial Council, has given his opinion to dismiss allegations of ethical misconduct against several senior judges, including former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, former Chief Justice Omar Ata Bandial, Justice Aijaz ul Ahsan, and Justice Ayesha A. Malik. These allegations were raised in private complaints, prompting the Supreme Judicial Council to initiate an initial assessment.
Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, who led the preliminary review, found that there was no concrete evidence of ethical violations by the mentioned judges. Consequently, he recommended that the complaints be dismissed. This marks a crucial step in resolving the allegations, as his opinion holds significant weight within the Supreme Judicial Council.
Notably, this development comes in the wake of allegations against various senior judges, and it sheds light on the Council’s role in addressing ethical and conduct-related concerns within the judiciary.
In a separate case, Justice Sardar Tariq Masood also assessed a complaint against Justice Ayesha A. Malik, which was related to her tenure as a judge in the Lahore High Court. Following a thorough examination, Justice Masood concluded that the complaint lacked substantial evidence to support allegations of ethical misconduct. Therefore, he recommended that this complaint, too, be dismissed.
Justice Sardar Tariq Masood’s findings underscore the significance of evidence-based evaluations when addressing ethical concerns within the judiciary. It highlights the Council’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Pakistan’s judicial system while ensuring that judges are held accountable when necessary.
It is worth mentioning that the Supreme Judicial Council serves as a vital institution responsible for investigating and addressing allegations against judges, including those related to ethical misconduct. These recent opinions by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood signify a step toward transparency and accountability within Pakistan’s judicial framework, emphasizing the importance of due process and evidence in such matters. The Supreme Judicial Council, led by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, has cleared several senior judges of ethical violations after conducting a thorough initial assessment. These opinions reflect the Council’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Pakistan’s judiciary while upholding due process and accountability.
