Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa emphasized during Wednesday’s Supreme Court hearing that the judiciary will not tolerate any meddling in its affairs, stating that the concerns raised by Islamabad High Court judges are being taken very seriously.
The chief justice clarified that the letter from the Islamabad High Court judges specifically refers to the Supreme Judicial Council, indicating that it does not pertain directly to the Supreme Court.
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During the hearing presided over by a seven-member bench led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, he reiterated the importance of judicial independence and ensuring the safety of judges.
CJP Isa expressed dismay at the lack of full-court meetings over the past four years, clarifying that such meetings primarily serve an administrative rather than a judicial purpose.
He emphasized that the judiciary will not succumb to external pressures and highlighted the administrative nature of their work.
The Attorney General presented a timeline of events following the submission of the letter by IHC judges, including discussions between CJP Isa and the judges, and the government’s decision to appoint a former chief justice to head the inquiry commission.
CJP Isa voiced dissatisfaction with discussions on social media regarding the inquiry commission head, emphasizing the importance of respecting the judiciary’s independence.
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The Chief Justice clarified that the Supreme Court lacks the authority to establish an inquiry commission under the Constitution, stating that such powers lie with the government.
The Attorney General assured the court that the government would not take any actions that compromise judicial independence.
CJP Isa criticized the influence of social media on the case, referring to it as a “new epidemic” and lamented the pressure exerted on the judiciary.
He clarified changes in the decision-making process within the court and expressed displeasure at petitions being leaked to the media before being filed officially.
CJP Isa asserted that those who pressure the court for suo motu notices should reconsider their legal practice.
The Attorney General reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding judicial independence.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court took suo motu notice of the matter following a petition signed by around 300 lawyers, urging CJP Isa to intervene under Article 184(3) of the Constitution.
The lawyers rejected the formation of an inquiry commission and demanded direct action from the Supreme Court.
The letter from the IHC judges, dated March 25, highlighted concerns about interference in judicial affairs by intelligence agencies, prompting discussions between various stakeholders, including the Prime Minister and senior members of the judiciary.