The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) on Wednesday issued a detailed show-cause notice to Supreme Court judge Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi over misconduct complaints lodged against him.

The SJC — the only forum that can inquire into the conduct of judges of the superior judiciary — by a 4-1 majority ruling directed the judge to submit a reply within 14 days in connection with 10 complaints lodged against him.

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, along with three other justices, directed Justice Naqvi to submit a reply within the stipulated time. However, Justice Ijazul Ahsan dissented with the majority opinion during this pivotal decision.

Recent deliberations within the Judicial Commission, spanning three days, saw the dismissal of a complaint against Justice Sardar Tariq Masood due to inadequate responses to crucial questions.

In the context of these proceedings, Justice Mazahir Naqvi raised objections concerning three council members, representing himself through lawyer Khawaja Haris during the commission’s sessions. Notably, there was a formal request for a stay on the ongoing proceedings, pending a constitutional petition's decision in the Supreme Court.

The show-cause notice delves into allegations related to the purported misuse of assets and powers exceeding declared income, seeking detailed records of Justice Mazahir Naqvi's properties. Moreover, Justice Mazahir Naqvi has contested the legality of the current council, asserting its illegitimacy.

On Monday, Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi challenged the proceedings of the complaint against the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). He pleaded that disclosed assets cannot be the basis of action against the judge and prayed there was never any notice of his assets from the tax authorities.

“The campaign against me is an attack on the judiciary,” Justice Mazahar Naqvi said. He said SJC sent notice of further proceedings without fixing the objections and SJC’s October 27 press release is a violation of fundamental rights.