The Presidency defended the appointment in a written reply to a letter written by the chief justice. — Reuters photo

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry on Saturday administered the oath of office to newly appointed auditor general Akhtar Buland Rana, DawnNews reported.

However, the Supreme Court's Registrar read out the court's reservations to Mr Rana's appointment before the oath was administered.

Earlier today, Chief Justice Iftikhar accepted the appointment of Mr Rana after the Presidency defended it in a written reply to the chief justice, DawnNews quoted sources as saying.

The Presidency had submitted a written reply late on Friday to a letter written by Chief Justice Iftikhar regarding the nomination of Mr Rana to the office.

The chief justice had sought the government’s account on the raft of charges levelled against Mr Rana.

The allegations include holding the passport of another country, two national identity cards and sexual harassment of a woman.

The chief justice had  asked the President to explain in writing how could such an individual be appointed on such an important position because once appointed, he cannot be removed — a stipulation in the Constitution (Article 209).

Mr Rana was appointed the auditor general on August 23 for a four-year term.