The Supreme Court (SC) has reinstated Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri, overturning the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) earlier order that prohibited him from fulfilling his responsibilities as a judge.

Notices were issued to the Attorney General and relevant parties, indicating that the current proceedings are limited to the High Court’s interim order.

During the session, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah Mandokhel announced that a meeting of the Supreme Judicial Council is scheduled for October 18, where the principal issue will be addressed.

On September 16, the Islamabad High Court’s division bench mandated Justice Tariq’s suspension in connection with an alleged fake degree case, pending a decision from the Supreme Judicial Council. Justice Tariq subsequently challenged this order in the Supreme Court.

In July 2023, a complaint regarding Justice Tariq’s law degree was filed with the Supreme Judicial Council, which gained traction when a letter allegedly related to the judge’s degree circulated on social media, reportedly from the Controller of Examinations at Karachi University.

In response to the High Court’s ruling, Justice Tariq requested the Supreme Court to annul the suspension, arguing that the Constitution and law do not allow for a High Court judge to be barred from performing their duties. He emphasised that such an order jeopardizes the independence of the judiciary and the delivery of justice.

Additionally, his petition pointed out that the decision to suspend him was made without considering his perspective, violating fundamental principles of justice. He urged that the decision be suspended and the petition declared inadmissible to prevent any malicious judicial actions.