KARACHI: Sindh High Court (SHC) suspended Karachi University’s decision to revoke law degree of Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, ruling in his favour as court found that University’s syndicate had taken action in his absence depriving him of opportunity to defend himself.

In its written order, court ruled that degree of Islamabad High Court judge was cancelled by KU’s Syndicate and Unfair Means Committee during meeting where judge was not present, stating that it was “Violation of Article 10-A of Constitution” (right to fair trial). “Unfortunately, no opportunity of hearing was extended to Justice Tariq Mahmood Jehangiri and manner so adopted appears to be highly objectionable, illegal and without lawful authority,” court ruled. Controversy erupted in July when letter began circulating on social media purportedly from KU controller of examinations regarding Justice Jahangiri’s law degree.

Decision came few hours after detention of academic and syndicate member Dr Riaz Ahmed, who was picked up by police in what appeared to be an attempt to stop him from attending key meeting. He was released in evening only after syndicate decided to cancel degree. Court ruled that degree was cancelled “Without hearing and by violating basic settled principle of law”, adding that petitioners’ claims “Carry substantial weight”. SHC ordered that notices be dispatched to all respondents, including Sindh Attorney General, requesting responses within three weeks. Two-member bench, comprising SHC Justices Salahuddin Panhwar and Justice Amjad Ali Sahito, heard case. When asked by judge about when degree was awarded, he replied that it was conferred 30 years ago.  Justice Panhwar asked, “On whose request has all this happened? On whose complaint has action been taken? Letter was sent by Islamia Law College,” he added.