The Supreme Court of Pakistan has adjourned the hearing of case related to elections in Punjab after the court was informed that the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Bill, 2023 has become the law after the President signed that.
During the hearing in the Supreme Court on the review petition of the Election Commission against the decision to hold elections in Punjab, the Attorney General informed the court that the bill to review the decisions and orders of the Supreme Court has become a law.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Muneeb Akhtar heard the review petition filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan, federal and provincial governments.
At the beginning of the hearing, the Attorney General came to the rostrum and addressing the court said that he wanted to talk about something. He said that after the approval of the President, the review bill has become law.
The Attorney General also presented a notification signed by the President in the court. He objected to the bench and said that the Supreme Court Review Act has now become a law, the scope of review under the new Act will now be the same as appeal.
The Chief Justice remarked that the Practice and Procedure Act case is scheduled for hearing on Thursday, the case will be heard again on the same day.
The Chief Justice further remarked that the jurisdiction of 184(3) needs to be reviewed to some extent, our decisions in this regard also suggest some ways. He asked if there was any discussion with the other party after this Act.
The Attorney General said that PTI’s lawyer Ali Zafar is on leave, on which the Chief Justice remarked “ you should also take instructions from the government in this regard, today we postpone the hearing, PTI will also know about the legislation.”
In his remarks, the Chief Justice further said that you must have read our order in the Audio Leaks Commission case, keep in mind that the court did not cancel the commission, the court has to protect the independence of the judiciary.
Later, the court adjourned the hearing of the case till Thursday (June 1).
It may be recalled that in the last hearing held on May 25, Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial had remarked that for how long democracy will continue to sacrifice by advancing elections.
On March 23, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) postponed the Punjab assembly general election scheduled for Sunday, April 30.
In a statement issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan, it was said that the elections to the Punjab Assembly will be held on October 8, the election schedule has been withdrawn using the powers under the constitution and the new schedule will be issued later.
