The Supreme Court of Pakistan has dismissed a petition regarding an over-billing case against Sui Northern Gas Company, highlighting the importance of judicial discretion when transferring cases to the Constitutional Bench.
During the hearing, a two-member bench, consisting of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Aqeel Abbasi, considered the petitioner’s request to refer the case to the Constitutional Bench. The petitioner’s lawyer argued that, following the 26th amendment, the case warranted such a review.
In response, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, with a smile, remarked that the case did not raise any constitutional or legal issues justifying a referral. “Not every case needs to go to the constitutional benches. Let us handle some as well,” he said lightheartedly, emphasizing the bench’s ability to manage cases that do not strictly require constitutional oversight.
While dismissing the petition, the court clarified that the petitioner could address relevant concerns during the ongoing case review. This decision reflects the Supreme Court’s approach to efficiently manage judicial resources and selectively transfer cases that meet constitutional criteria.
