Islamabad, The Supreme Judicial Council of Pakistan has revised its Code of Conduct to allow judges the option to respond to allegations made public against them, a significant shift from the previous stance of maintaining silence on publicized accusations. This amendment comes in the wake of concerns raised by judges who felt restrained by the potential for misconstrued silence. The council also reviewed multiple complaints against judges, dismissing five due to lack of substance while issuing a notice for a reply to a High Court judge and recommending the removal of another for misconduct.
According to Supreme Court of Pakistan, the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) convened on February 29 and March 1, 2024, to deliberate on various matters, including the amendment to Article V of the Code of Conduct. The revision was prompted by judges’ apprehensions that not responding to public allegations could be interpreted as misconduct. The updated code now clarifies that judges may respond to such allegations if they are publicized.
In its session, the SJC addressed six complaints sequentially. While five were dismissed, the Council directed a judge from the High Court of Balochistan to submit a response within fourteen days. Moreover, the Council found Judge Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi guilty of misconduct under Article 209(6) of the Constitution of Pakistan and concluded that he should be removed from his office.