In an unprecedented move in the judicial history of the region, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Supreme Court has sentenced a serving district and sessions judge to three days in prison for contempt of court.

The convicted judge, Raja Imtiaz Ahmed, was arrested by police inside the court premises on Wednesday following the court’s orders.

The verdict was issued by a larger bench of the AJK Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Raja Saeed Akram Khan, who found Judge Imtiaz guilty of deliberate defiance of court orders, perjury, and undermining the dignity of the judiciary.

Background of case

The contempt case stemmed from a narcotics trial in Haveli Kahuta, where a man named Raja Dilawar Khan was arrested on charges of possessing a significant quantity of heroin. After his bail application was rejected by the trial court, both the high court and the Supreme Court also turned down his plea on January 19, 2023.

The top court had further directed that the trial be concluded within six months and stated that if any new evidence emerged in favour of the accused, the Supreme Court must be approached again for reconsideration of bail.

However, just a month later, then special judge of the Haveli Anti-Narcotics Court, Raja Imtiaz, acquitted the accused, in clear violation of the Supreme Court’s instructions. Following the acquittal, the accused fled abroad, prompting outrage within judicial circles and the initiation of contempt proceedings.

Court observations

During the hearings, the Supreme Court remarked that Judge Raja Imtiaz challenged the authority of the apex court and disrespected its clear directives. The court also noted that the judge lied under oath, further aggravating the offense.

“This is not just contempt; it’s an open rebellion against the supremacy of the court,” observed Chief Justice Raja Saeed Akram during the proceedings.

In compliance with the court’s order, police arrested Judge Raja Imtiaz from inside the chamber court, a rare event underscoring the seriousness of the ruling.