ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) chief justice on Wednesday suspended Senior Civil Judge Mohammad Inamullah for ‘obstructing’ the Supreme Court’s order of demolishing an illegal eatery in the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP).

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq had summoned Judge Inamullah following the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s remarks that the judge obstructed the implementation of the Supreme Court’s directions.

Chief Justice Isa in August this year declared the eateries in the MHNP including Monal and La’Montana illegal and ordered their demolition.

While the apex court dismissed the review petition in this matter, Judge Inamullah issued a stay order on a ‘frivolous’ application.

While hearing the contempt proceeding in the MHNP case, Justice Isa noted that the application was treated without receipt of the court fee, there was no detail of the applicant and the judge stayed without issuing notice to the parties in the matter.

He observed that the judge potentially obstructed the Supreme Court order, with a direction to the IHC to consider an action for misusing authority after considering the conduct of the judge.

Judge Inamullah appeared before IHC chief justice on Wednesday and explained the reason for passing the restraining order on the petition filed against demolition of La’ Montana restaurant.

The sources said the judge’s explanation was not satisfactory, hence, the chief justice ordered his suspension. Subsequently, IHC administration issued a notification of stripping the judicial powers from the judge.

He has been made Officer on Special Duty and an inquiry against him had also commenced.

District and Sessions Judge Kamran Basharat Mufti has been appointed the inquiry officer.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2024