Reference filed against GB chief judge on misuse of authority

• Applicant alleges misuse of authority, judicial misconduct, appointments of relatives on Judge’s part

A complaint regarding alleged misconduct of Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court Chief Judge Sahib Khan has been filed to the Supreme Judicial Council, Supreme Appellate Court Gilgit-Baltistan. The application cites the use of private residence as the camp office, construction of a new house with government funds, misuse of government cars by family members, making properties beyond financial resources, nepotism in appointments among others; and has requested for an inquiry look into the matter.

The application, copy available with Pakistan Today, was filed by Advocate Rehman Ali, who alleged that the chief judge has turned a private house owned by him in Sector I-10 Islamabad into the Chief Court Gilgit-Baltistan Camp Office and rented it out to the Chief Court, while his family lived in the house and enjoyed all the perks and privileges including official vehicles.

The applicant also alleged that the judge had constructed a new house at village Gudai, district Astore on the pretext of entitlement of a judge for maintenance of a private house.

‘The honourable judge knowingly refused to submit to the Gilgit-Baltistan (Empowerment and Self-Governance) Order 2009, even though he was under the oath to preserve, protect and defend the same. The judge does not have an exemption from the duty of obedience to the GB Self-Governance order, 2009 and is not authorised to adjudicate except in accordance with the law,’ advocate Ali asserted in his petition accusing Justice Khan of misconduct by adjudicating the suo moto cases that fall in the jurisdiction of Supreme Appellate Court.

The applicant also recalled the event when Sahib Khan directed his subordinates to observe pen-down strike against the action taken by Supreme Appellate Court in suo moto case against the registrar of the Chief Court.

Furthermore, the chief judge was accused of appointing his relatives, Asif Khan, Tanzeel-ur-Rehman, his son in law and an on-going deputation of his brother Latif.

In addition to the above, the petitioner alleged that 4 cars given to Justice Khan were being used by his family members and read that the judge appointed employees and gives promotions to lower subordinate judiciary staff on basis of favouritism and political influence.

The petitioner prays that the Supreme Judicial Council to initiate an inquiry into the matter under Article 66 of Gilgit-Baltistan (Empowerment and Self-Governance) Order, 2009 read with enabling Articles of Constitution of Pakistan and if allegations are proved against Justice Khan then a recommendation be made to Chairman GB Council for his removal.