Bhagwan Das to take oath tomorrow

PAKISTAN UNREST: Lawyers protesting against Supreme Court Chief Justice’s suspension.

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Suhasini Haidar

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Islamabad As Bhagwan Das prepares to take over as Pakistan's Acting Chief Justice on Saturday, suspended CJ Iftikar Muhammad Chaudhry, facing allegations of misuse of office and authority, on Friday sought an open trial and expressed confidence that he will get justice.

Justice Das, the only Hindu judge of the Supreme Court, remained in Karachi ever since he arrived from India from a pilgrimage two days ago even after issuance of a formal notification by President Pervez Musharraf appointing him as ACJ.

He would be sworn in on Saturday in the Supreme Court registry in Karachi itself and is expected to come to Islamabad later.

Justice Chaudhry, who during his appearance before the five-member Supreme Judicial Council, had insisted that Justice Das be made the Acting Chief Justice, has reportedly said he was thrilled over his return from India.

"I will get justice. I know the government is in search of the moves that change the public opinion about me, but it would be an exercise in futility," Justice Chaudhry was quoted in the media here as telling those who met him at his residence.

Justice Chaudhry said he was entirely innocent and called for an open trial by the JC.

"With reference to this trial my plea is that I am entirely innocent. That is why I want the public to know of the charges as well as of my defence. This should not cause any embarrassment to anyone, and certainly not to me," he said.

"I want all the citizens of Pakistan to know that their chief justice is not at fault," Chaudhry said.