LHC Verdict
In a significant development, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court has suspended the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) order against the appointment of returning officers (ROs) across the country. The court directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to issue the election schedule promptly.
The order comes after hearing the ECP’s appeal against the Lahore High Court’s verdict that suspended the appointment of ROs for the upcoming general election. The bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, took up the petition shortly after it was filed.
The Supreme Court emphasized that court orders are not typically suspended without notices but noted the extraordinary circumstances prompting the decision. The court also called upon the petitioner, Umer Niazi, to explain how his order did not amount to contempt of court, highlighting that the LHC order was issued in ‘undue haste.’
The hearing revealed that the Election Commission had halted the training of ROs in compliance with the LHC order, leading to potential delays in meeting election-related timelines. The Supreme Court’s intervention is seen as a crucial step to ensure the implementation of its earlier decision regarding holding timely elections.
Earlier, the ECP had rejected speculations about possible election delays, emphasizing its commitment to a comprehensive schedule for fair elections. The Lahore High Court’s ruling against ROs, prompted by a petition from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has added complexity to the electoral process.
This latest development is part of a broader legal and procedural challenge, and the Supreme Court’s active involvement signifies its role in safeguarding the electoral process and ensuring adherence to established timelines. The court’s decision carries significant implications for the upcoming general elections, and further proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming days. Overall, Supreme court suspends LHC ROs verdict, directs ECP to expedite election schedule for upcoming general elections.
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