ISLAMABAD: Tassaduq Hussain Jillani - a man nicknamed ‘the gentleman judge’ for his mild manners is set to retire this week after a 7-month stint as Pakistan’s top judge, attracting a mixed bag of scorn and praise.
Jillani’s term at the helm of the Supreme Court (SC) began last year after his firebrand predecessor, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, stepped down following eight tumultuous years in office, often marked by political tug-o’-war.
Unlike his predecessor, who was accused of meddling in government affairs, Justice Jillani’s term is credited with adopting the policy of ‘judicial restraint’ and bringing to a close years of judicial activism.
The 65-year-old judge, who is due to leave office on July 5 will be succeeded by Justice Nasirul Mulk as the chief justice. Mulk, known as the ‘English judge’, will serve for a period of 13 months.
Justice Jilani took office at a time when suo motu had become a household phrase in the country, as the former chief justice picked up populist causes highlighted by the media.
Agencies
