Show cause notice issued to Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi

The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) issued a detailed show-cause notice to Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi on Wednesday, urging him to respond within 14 days.

The show-cause was served with a 4-1 majority vote, with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Sardar Tariq, Justice Ameer Bhatti, and Justice Naeem Afghan voting in favor, while Justice Ijazul Ahsan dissented.

The notice comes in response to 10 complaints filed against Justice Naqvi, addressing allegations of financial misconduct and possessing assets beyond means.

Ten complaints include the complaints of Mian Dawood, a Lahore-based lawyer, Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz Lawyers Forum, Punjab, PBC Vice Chairperson Haroon Rasheed and Council’s Chairperson Executive Committee Hasan Raza Pasha and Advocate Ghulam Murtaza Khan, for amassing illegitimate assets and misconduct.

During the SJC meeting, complainants presented evidence, while Justice Naqvi’s objections were also reviewed by the council.

Justice Naqvi previously challenged the SJC inquiry, asserting that it was launched based on alleged misconduct and assets beyond means.

The objections raised by Justice Naqvi were examined during Tuesday’s meeting by council members, who also heard perspectives from complainants.

The allegations against Justice Naqvi involve financial misconduct, and the show-cause notice underscores the seriousness with which the SJC is approaching the matter.

The hearing is scheduled to continue, and Justice Naqvi’s response will be pivotal in determining the course of the proceedings.