Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri has challenged a Sindh High Court (SHC) decision in the Supreme Court arguing that the order declaring his law degree invalid was issued unilaterally and without giving him the chance to be heard.
In his petition, Justice Jahangiri asked the Supreme Court to declare the SHC’s September 25 ruling null and void. He contended that the SHC not only dismissed his plea to become a party in the case but also ignored the question of the petition’s maintainability.
The petition further stated that the decision violated principles of natural justice, as the affected party was not given the opportunity to present arguments or hire legal representation. Sindh Education Commission, Karachi University (KU), PEMRA, and others have been made respondents in the case.
Supreme Court’s earlier ruling
This development follows the Supreme Court’s earlier order on September 30, when it struck down an Islamabad High Court interim ruling that had suspended Justice Jahangiri from judicial work.
The apex court ruled that no judge can be barred from performing duties through an interim order. Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, petitioner Mian Dawood, and other counsels had agreed during the proceedings that such a suspension lacked legal justification.
Background of degree controversy
The controversy over Justice Jahangiri’s degree began when a Karachi University letter surfaced on social media in 2023, raising doubts about the validity of his LLB degree obtained in 1991. The letter cited discrepancies in enrollment numbers, calling the degree “invalid” but not “fake.”
On September 1, 2024, KU’s syndicate formally cancelled Jahangiri’s degree, citing findings from its Unfair Means Committee. However, the SHC suspended that decision on September 5, noting that the cancellation had been carried out in the judge’s absence.
Later, on September 16, the Islamabad High Court barred Justice Jahangiri from working until the Supreme Judicial Council ruled on the matter. Jahangiri challenged this in the Supreme Court, which restored his judicial powers.
SHC proceedings
During hearings at the SHC, petitions challenging KU’s cancellation were dismissed due to non-prosecution after counsels walked out in protest, causing disorder in the courtroom. The SHC bench, led by Justices Mohammad Karim Khan Agha and Adnan-ul-Karim Memon, recorded the incident, warning counsels to maintain decorum.
The SHC also upheld KU’s stance that Jahangiri had been barred from admission and exams in the late 1980s for alleged use of unfair means, making his degree and enrollment invalid.
Justice Jahangiri’s position
In his Supreme Court petition, Justice Jahangiri claimed that the degree cancellation was based on “malicious and unlawful actions.” He argued that as both a sitting judge and former bar officeholder, the proceedings against him undermined judicial independence.
The petition noted that Jahangiri was one of six IHC judges who, earlier in 2024, signed a letter highlighting surveillance and interference by state agencies—a move he claims led to retaliation through fabricated degree allegations.
