ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday declared the appointment of Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri illegal and ordered his removal from office, ruling that he did not possess a valid law degree at the time of his appointment.
The verdict was announced by a two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Azam Khan. The court held that Justice Jahangiri’s LLB degree was not valid when he was appointed as a judge, rendering his appointment unlawful and void from the outset.
In its written order, the court directed the Ministry of Law and Justice to immediately de-notify Justice Jahangiri as a judge. The bench concluded that he was never eligible to hold the judicial office due to the defective academic credentials.
The court further ruled that all miscellaneous petitions connected with the case stood disposed of. Justice Jahangiri reportedly left the Islamabad High Court premises shortly before the verdict was announced.
Earlier, the court heard arguments from lawyers representing various petitioners and respondents.
Senior advocates, including Barrister Salahuddin, Akram Sheikh, and Raja Aleem Abbasi, presented arguments during the proceedings. Petitioner Mian Dawood Advocate also addressed the court.
During the hearing, the defense maintained that the case did not involve a fake degree but rather alleged irregularities in the issuance process by the University of Karachi.
It was argued that the matter fell under the jurisdiction of the Sindh High Court, where proceedings related to the cancellation of the degree were already under suspension.
However, the court rejected these objections, concluding that the absence of a valid law degree at the time of appointment was sufficient to invalidate Justice Jahangiri’s elevation to the bench.
