CJP says the constitution of Pakistan allows Supreme Court to review decisions
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial today said that the Constitution of Pakistan allows Supreme Court to review its decisions.
The CJP remarked on this on Tuesday while hearing a petition from the Election Commission of Pakistan seeking a review of the SC’s earlier decision of holding elections in Punjab.
A three-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan and Justice Muneeb Akhtar heard the review petition of the ECP.
After a brief hearing, the chief justice adjourned the hearing till Wednesday.
hearing of the Review Petition
Sajeel Swati, the lawyer representing the ECP informed the apex court that the responses from the federal and Punjab governments had been received by the ECP today.
The CJP noted that the PTI did not yet submit its response and ECP’s lawyer Swati confirmed that the Commission from the PTI or any other political party.
Mr. Swati urged the bench to grant the ECP an opportunity to review all the responses. The CJP, nevertheless, directed Sajeel Swati to present his arguments in the case.
CJP Bandial assured Swati that new points raised in the review responses would be addressed in the next hearing.
Meanwhile, Justice Ijazul Ahsan said that if the arguments presented by the lawyer representing the ECP are accepted, the court would have to review the matter immediately. Justice Ahsan said the scope of the right to appeal and review was not the same, as stated in the Constitution.
Also, Justice Munib Akhtar observed that granting the ECP’s request would further complex the situation.
However, Swati said the Constitution does not impose any limitations on the scope. He said the Article 187 of the Constitution could be applied to ensure justice in review cases.
The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing till Wednesday noon (2 pm).
