The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench has withdrawn the orders issued by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah on January 13 and 16, which formed the basis of the contempt of court case. During the hearing, the Attorney General informed the bench that the government intends to challenge the decision in the contempt case involving Justice Mansoor Ali Shah.
In the hearing of the customs regulatory duty case, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan stated that the government has decided to file a review against Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s orders issued on January 13 and 16.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar questioned whether proceedings could continue in the presence of the order directing the customs duty case to be placed before a specific bench. Justice Jamal Mandokhail remarked that concern for judicial independence is shared by everyone, urging better conduct and highlighting that the judiciary is an institution that must endure.
Justice Aminuddin Khan raised concerns about how a January 13 order scheduling the case for January 27 was suddenly rescheduled for the following day. Justice Jamal Mandokhail questioned whether a judge could order a case to be heard by a specific bench. Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi asked whether the same judge could reconstitute the bench.
Justice Naeem Afghan held Barrister Salahuddin responsible for the ongoing crisis during the proceedings. At the same time, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar criticized the lawyer’s insistence that a regular bench could hear the case. Heated exchanges occurred between Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Barrister Salahuddin, with the latter asserting his right to defend his credibility when questioned.
Justice Jamal Mandokhail stated that the file was not under consideration for further proceedings and emphasized that questions posed to the lawyer were for clarification, not conjecture. He reiterated his commitment to judicial independence and stated that involving all judges in the constitutional court would address any objections.
Ultimately, the constitutional bench annulled Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s January 13 and 16 orders. Justice Shah had previously issued notices under Article 191(A). The court directed that the record of the Nazir Abbas contempt of court case be attached to the customs duty case and adjourned the hearing indefinitely.
