Justice Shah accuses CJP Isa of parliamentarian interference in judiciary

Supreme Court Judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah did not attend Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa’s farewell reference on Friday as he believed that CJP Isa allowed external interference in the judiciary.

“I had not attended former CJP Saqib Nisar’s farewell reference due to his overspeeding on the constitution, and I will not attend CJP Isa’s reference as well.”

Justice Masoor Ali Shah was set to be a successor to CJP Isa, according to the seniority rule, but the amendment was made just five days before his appointment ended the seniority level and allowed the parliamentary committee to select CJP Yahya over him.

However, the current letter written by Justice Mansoor to the SC registrar indicated that he opposes the recently materialised 26th constitutional amendment, saying, “Farewell reference aims to appreciate the outgoing CJP, but transitions depend on the people's merit, like organisations.”

“Ex-CJP Nisar has exceeded his constitutional role, due to which I have not attended his farewell. I shared the reasons by writing a letter on January 17, 2019,” he added in a letter.

“I will not attend CJP Isa’s reference as well,” Justice Mansoor added.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah stressed the protection of people and judicial rights.

“CJP Isa separated himself from the impacts of external pressure, and opened the door for interference, he could not balance his judicial role, nor showed the courage to defend the judiciary, and gave ground to those who undermined the judiciary.

“He failed to establish respect, tolerance, and harmony in the judiciary. He is guilty of allowing interference in the court and has no value or respect for the court ruling."

The apex court Judge accused CJP Isa of creating differences among the judges.

“He [CJP Isa] said in an insulting way to not obey the court decision, the differences he promoted among the judges will remain to affect the courts.”

Justice Mansoor expressed regret over CJP Isa’s farewell reference, which he termed “the tenure of the judge who can undermine his entity.”

“Despite undermining the organisation, if it would be taken as an honourable for the court, I will not attend the reference of such CJP,” he wrote while ending his letter.