JSC to probe disciplinary issue of judge over Ali Waheed’s release

Judicial Service Commission (JSC), on Wednesday, announced that the commission will be looking into the disciplinary issue filed against Criminal Court Judge Hassan Saeed over his court order to release the passport of former Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed who stand accused of sexually harassing his staff members.

In a statement released by JSC, the commission revealed that Hassan Saeed’s case will be investigated on the grounds that he had acted against the law in nullifying the order prohibiting the defendant from travelling, in a way that obstructs implementing the law on the defendant.

The judicial watchdog further wrote that the commission’s investigative committee had decided on probing the matter regarding the accusation that the judge had misused his powers to secure undue advantages for the defendant.

Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office filed the case against the judge at JSC, in addition to appealing Criminal Court’s order to release Ali Waheed’s passport at the High Court, on Sunday.

Defending against the public criticism levied against PG Office over Ali Waheed’s departure to the United Kingdom (UK) following the court’s decision, PG Office had asserted its belief that the court was wrong in releasing the defendant’s passport, further adding that the court had acted against the usual policy for similar cases.

The court came under severe criticism from the public for allowing Ali Waheed to travel to any country for a period of four months, against PG Office’s advise. The office had warned the court that Ali Waheed had formerly fled the country in the middle of a trial, and therefore, exhibited a high chance of not returning to the country if he was allowed to leave.

Prior to PG Office’s case against the judge, Hassan Saeed had also been accused of attempting to cover up a sexual harassment incident that took place at the Family Court.

The judicial watchdog had investigated the case at the time and decided to remove the judge from his position, but he was later appointed as a judge at the Criminal Court.