There was no fear of references if nothing wrong had been done, Supreme Court’s senior puisne judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah as the federal government mulls filing a reference against two apex court judges.

“When a reference comes, it will be examined. If nothing wrong has been done, there is no reason to fear. Allah is watching over everything,” he told reporters during an informal conversation on Friday.

Earlier this week, Adviser to Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah hinted at the possibility of filing a misconduct reference against two senior judges of the Supreme Court.

While appearing on Aaj News’ programme Spotlight with Munizae Jahangir, he did not name the two judges. He alleged that such judges “frequently write letters” on various matters, which somehow reach the media before official channels.

“In my opinion, their actions could be linked to judicial misconduct at some level,” said Sanaullah.

In reaction, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that filing a reference was not on the cards.

The journalists asked questions against the backdrop of such developments.

Justice Shah emphasised that the records of judicial work are “transparent and accessible,” noting, “Everything is available on the Supreme Court’s website. It will be clear who has delivered how many reported judgments.”

A journalist raised the issue of chief justice’s comments suggesting that some justices are not working sufficiently. In a light-hearted manner, Justice Shah replied, “Absolutely, we are just here to sip tea. Whenever you get a chance, do check the records.”

He said: “You will find out who does how much work; everything is available on the Supreme Court’s website. It will be clear who has delivered how many reported judgments.”

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The SC judge went on to add that there was no personal animosity or conflict among the judges. “If someone doesn’t see the elephant in the room, what can we say? All judges meet and even share tea together. You see, even right now, our hands and feet are shaking.”

Further questioning led to inquiries about whether other judges were also aligned with him. Pointing to Justice Aqeel Abbasi, Justice Shah affirmed, “Look, he is with me.”

A journalist then asked if Justice Abbasi was only there for tea, to which Justice Abbasi responded with a smile, “You may not know me well enough.”