‘Siddiqui wants to join judiciary that he maligned’

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday reiterated its determination to protect the rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution and observed that the sacked judge of the Islamabad High Court, Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, was trying to reclaim his position in the judiciary against which he had leveled allegations.

A five-member larger bench headed by Justice Umer Ata Bandial heard a petition filed by Siddiqui challenging the notification of the president of Pakistan, terminating his service.

Hamid Khan, counsel for Siddiqui, continued his arguments and submitted that the judge was not even provided an opportunity to make an appeal regarding the injustice made to him. Justice Umer Ata Bandial observed that the law for conduct of judges is different from other office-holders, adding that they have to follow the rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution.

On court directions, Hamid Khan read out the speech of his client he made while addressing the District Bar Association Rawalpindi, levelling allegations against the ISI and the judiciary.

Justice Umer Ata Bandial observed that the petitioner judge had made a negative speech against the judiciary and now he is trying to reclaim his position in the said institution. Nobody could be allowed to speak whatever he wants in the garb of right of freedom of speech, Justice Bandial remarked, adding that all judges are prisoners of their conscience. All judges are determined to provide justice on the basis of equality, Justice Bandial said. He observed that the judge sitting on his right side had dissented with his judgment but still he is his brother.

“We render our work collectively for the dispensation of justice,” Justice Bandial remarked, adding that maybe the petitioner judge made the speech as an aggrieved person in view of the reference filed against him but the judiciary had fully protected his right.