The IHC has declared the appointment of Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri as illegal.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has rendered a comprehensive decision deeming the appointment of Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri as illegal and unconstitutional.

The 116-page ruling was composed by Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Azam Khan. The decree asserts that Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri is to be considered dismissed from his role as a high court judge effective immediately.

The ruling states that at the time of his appointment, Tariq Mahmood lacked a genuine and accredited law degree. The court noted that without a recognized legal degree, no individual qualifies for registration as an advocate.

The ruling additionally indicated that his ineligibility to practice law precluded him from fulfilling the essential constitutional criteria for appointment as a high court judge. University documents allegedly indicated that Tariq Mahmood participated in examinations using two distinct enrollment numbers and identities.

The comprehensive ruling underscored that courts exist for the well of society, rather than for the convenience of judges. An illegal appointment undermines the entire judicial framework, and transparent judicial nominations are crucial for protecting the fundamental right to justice.

The court noted that upholding constitutional principles within the judiciary safeguards judicial independence, emphasizing that such independence does not equate to insulation from accountability. It asserted that any inadequacy in eligibility or proof of fraud disqualifies a judge from office and necessitates immediate removal.

The ruling asserted that such removal is essential to maintain judicial independence and that accountability fortifies, rather than undermines, institutions. It was determined that administrative permission or subsequent confirmation cannot replace fundamental eligibility, and a flawed appointment cannot be rectified by later administrative measures.