SC defers hearing of case against Practice and Procedure bill

Islamabad: Supreme Court Tuesday postponed the hearing of three petitions registered against Practice and Procedure Bill 2023 to curtail the powers of Chief Justice of Pakistan, GNN reported.

According to details, Supreme Court has summoned an answer for political parties and lawyers’ associations till May 8.

Eight-member larger bench headed by CJP Umar Atta Bandial comprising Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Sayyad Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Ayesha Malik, Justice Shahid Waheed and Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar heard the case.

Court has summoned the record of parliamentary proceeding and standing committee over Supreme Court Rules and Procedure Bill.

It was also requested to separate Justice Mazahir Naqvi of Pakistan Bar council from the bench, which was denied by the court. It also cancelled the appeal to form the full court to hear the case.

Chief Justice said that it is to be noted whether the component of the judiciary can be changed, the independence of the judiciary is a fundamental right, this case is unique regarding the independence of the judiciary.

Lawyer Imtiaz Siddiqui of petitioner, Attorney General Mansoor Awan, Farooq H. Naik from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN), Barrister Salahuddin from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Hassan Raza Pasha from Pakistan Bar Council were present in the court.

Justice Tariq Rahim said that bill has become a part of the law to which chief justice responded that the previous order was of interim nature.

CJP remarked, “Democracy and independent judiciary and federation are important features of the constitution”.

Political issues have polluted the environment of the court, stated Atta Bandial adding that political parties do not want justice instead the decisions of their will.

Hassan Raza Pasha said that Pakistan Bar has always stood for constitution and judiciary.

He added, “It would be better if full court is formed to hear the case. There would be no objection if seven senior most judges are part of the bench”.

The decision of Chief Justice is the decision of the court and every institution is bound to follow, said CJP.