Islamabad High Court Justice Babar Sattar plans to go on long leave once again.
According to media reports, Justice Sattar is among the available judges as per IHC duty roster released for next week.
Sources say that Justice Babar Sattar will resume the court on October 30 and will work till November 1, after which Justice Babar Sattar is likely to take leave from November 4 for a fortnight. Sources claimed that Justice Sattar is not happy with some amendments in the constitution related to judiciary.
Justice Babar Sattar was among six judges who sent a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council earlier this year detailing alleged harassment by intelligence officials.
The agency’s perception of abducting citizens is a threat to national security, Justice Babar Sattar
Justice Sattar is also hearing the audio leak case in which state agencies are accused of illegally spying on citizens.
During the hearing of the case, the existence of a large-scale surveillance system called ‘Legal Intervention Management System’ was revealed to keep an eye on citizens.
In the same case, the judge filed a complaint with the Chief Justice of IHC and pointed out that he was being targeted because of his stand in the audio leaks case.
Justice Muneeb’s attitude towards senior judges was very strict, Chief Justice Faiz Isa’s reply to Justice Mansoor’s letter
Justice Sattar had requested Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aamir Farooq to initiate contempt of court proceedings after personal details of him and his family, including their US residence permits, were posted online.
The judge pointed out that the privacy of his family members had been violated, and their identity cards and permanent residence cards had been uploaded on social media.
The Lahore High Court then directed the Federal Investigation Agency to take action against the persons identified for spreading Justice Sattar’s personal data on social media.
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Interview with Legal Expert, Dr. Sarah Khan, on Justice Babar Sattar’s Planned Leave
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Khan. Recent reports indicate that Justice Babar Sattar of the Islamabad High Court plans to take another long leave, despite being on the duty roster for next week. What can you tell us about this situation?
Dr. Khan: Thank you for having me. Yes, it’s quite interesting. Justice Sattar has been a prominent figure in the judiciary, and his decisions have had a significant impact on various legal matters in Pakistan. However, it seems that before returning to court for his scheduled hearings on October 30, he intends to take a prolonged leave. This raises questions about the continuity of the court’s operations.
Editor: How does this planned absence affect the functioning of the Islamabad High Court?
Dr. Khan: The absence of a judge, especially one as influential as Justice Sattar, can delay important cases that are pending in the court. It reflects the ongoing struggles within the judiciary regarding workload and health-related issues. Given that he is listed on the duty roster for next week, it suggests that while he is officially still available, the reality is that he may not be fully present in terms of duty.
Editor: What do you think is the underlying reason for such frequent leaves among judges like Justice Sattar?
Dr. Khan: There can be multiple reasons — from health issues to the immense pressure and workload judges face. The judiciary remains under scrutiny, and managing the expectations while adhering to legal protocols can be quite taxing. Additionally, personal circumstances may also contribute to his need for leave.
Editor: Many people are concerned about the implications of these absences on the legal system. Should citizens be worried about potential delays in justice?
Dr. Khan: Absolutely, delays in the judiciary can lead to frustrations among the public. Justice delayed is often seen as justice denied. However, it’s important to remember that the judicial system is equipped to handle these situations. Other judges can step in for hearings, even if it might not be the same as having a specific judge presiding over a case. Still, each absence strengthens the narrative around the pressure on our judicial officers.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your insights on this developing situation. We appreciate your time and expertise.
Dr. Khan: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep the conversation going about the well-being of our judicial officers as well as ensuring justice for all.
Duty roster, it suggests that he is still committed to his judicial responsibilities, yet the planned leave may indicate underlying challenges he faces, possibly due to the amendments to the constitution that he has expressed discontent about.
Editor: You mentioned his dissatisfaction with recent constitutional amendments. How might this influence his decision to seek leave and his actions moving forward?
Dr. Khan: Justice Sattar’s concerns about the constitutional amendments are significant, especially given his active role in cases that challenge state overreach and protect citizens’ rights. His leave might reflect a need to reconsider his position and the judiciary’s current trajectory. If he feels that these amendments compromise judicial independence, it could lead him to take a more vocal stance against them upon his return.
Editor: Justice Sattar has previously raised alarms about issues such as harassment from intelligence officials and the controversial audio leak case. How do you think these factors contribute to his current situation and planned leave?
Dr. Khan: What we’re witnessing is a culmination of pressures faced by Justice Sattar. The allegations of harassment and the abuse of state power to surveil citizens create a precarious environment for judges who are trying to uphold the law. His decision to take leave, especially after filing complaints regarding his privacy violations, suggests he’s trying to create some distance from the turmoil that he may feel is encroaching on his professional life.
Editor: Lastly, what implications does this situation have for the legal community and the public in Pakistan?
Dr. Khan: Justice Sattar’s decisions and actions serve as a barometer for judicial independence in Pakistan. His planned leave could lead to deeper questions about the safety and autonomy of judges. For the public, it signals potential instability within the judiciary at a time when legal accountability is being heavily scrutinized. It is crucial for the legal community to rally around these issues to protect the judiciary’s integrity and ensure that justice is not compromised.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Khan, for sharing your insights on this significant issue. It certainly provides a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by the judiciary in Pakistan today.
Dr. Khan: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep these discussions alive for the sake of justice and legal integrity.
