ISLAMABAD: Justice Tariq Jahangiri of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday filed an appeal in the Federal Constitutional Court challenging the IHC’s December 9 ruling in the fake degree case. The appeal seeks to have the IHC order set aside and the writ petition against him declared inadmissible.
In his plea, Justice Jahangiri argued that the writ petition filed against him in the IHC is not maintainable. He claimed he was not given an opportunity to be heard before the petition was admitted and asserted that the high court cannot adjudicate the matter without recording evidence.
Trial Court Should Examine Degree Validity
Justice Jahangiri maintained that the validity of his LLB degree should be examined by a trial court, which is authorized to record evidence. He emphasized that the IHC overstepped its jurisdiction by entertaining the petition without following proper legal procedures.
Alongside the appeal, he filed three separate applications in the IHC, requesting that Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar recuse himself from the bench, that the case be referred to a full court, and that proceedings be deferred until the Sindh High Court delivers its decision in a related matter.
IHC Rejected Objections
Earlier, the Islamabad High Court had rejected Justice Jahangiri’s objections regarding the inclusion of Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar in the bench. The court also directed Karachi University’s Registrar to produce the original degree record on December 18.
In its written order, the IHC stated that allegations against the chief justice lacked legal basis and noted that the formation of a two-member bench for sensitive matters falls within the chief justice’s discretionary powers.
Legal Representation and Next Steps
Justice Jahangiri has appointed a legal team of three senior lawyers to represent him. Akram Sheikh and Barrister Salahuddin will handle proceedings in the IHC, while Uzair Bhandari will represent him in the Federal Constitutional Court.
The appeal now awaits consideration in the Constitutional Court, where Justice Jahangiri aims to have the IHC ruling overturned and the writ petition dismissed, effectively challenging the jurisdiction of the high court over the matter.
