SC reserves verdict in election tribunal formation case

The hearing on the appeal of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding the formation of election tribunals in Punjab was held in the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday. A five-member larger bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa heard the case.

At the onset of hearing, petitioner Salman Akram Raja raised the objection on CJP Isa. The objection was raised by the lawyer of Raja, Advocate Hamid Khan. “My lord! we want to submit an application,” said Khan. “You are a senior lawyer and I respect you, kindly have a seat, first let the order be read,” the CJP replied.

Raja raised objection on the CJP to which the CJP asked him to get himself separated from the case if he wanted and asked Attorney General Mansoor Awan to keep reading the order of previous hearing. “We have objections as we don’t want you to be part of this bench,” Khan objected.

“Kindly be seated we will hear you later,” responded CJP. On this snub from the CJP, Khan left the court room.

During the hearing, ECP’s lawyer Sikander Bashir told the court that Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court (LHC) had already established four tribunals, adding that other four tribunals would be established by the ECP. “It means matter has been settled between the ECP and Chief Justice of the LHC?” asked Justice Aqeel Abbasi.

“Yes, as the law was changed so the new four tribunals will be established by the ECP,” replied ECP lawyer Bashir. “The tenure of the parliament is five years which can not be extended. The cases of stay orders also come in front of the SC, resolve those matters by yourselves which do not come under the court jurisdiction, I am tired of requesting again and again, look at the constitution what does it say?” remarked CJP Isa.