Supreme Court of Pakistan is conducting a hearing regarding the Punjab elections and the review and judgment case.The Election Commission has requested evidence on petitions against the Act.
Under the leadership of Chief Justice Omar Ata Bandial, a three-member bench is conducting the hearing, including Justice Ajaz-ul-Hasan and Justice Munib Akhtar. As the hearing commenced, the Attorney General and the Election Commission’s lawyer appeared on the roster.
The Election Commission requested the court to provide an opportunity to present evidence on the petitions against the Act. The lawyer stated that 10 minutes should be given for presenting evidence on the petitions against the review act.
Chief Justice Omar Ata Bandial remarked that they don’t summon guests as often, and asked the Attorney General to complete presenting evidence while sitting.
The Attorney General argued in his evidence that Article 199 in the Constitution grants the High Courts the authority, and the Inter-Court appeal is allowed on petitions against Article 199. The Supreme Court’s jurisdiction is broad under Article 184/3, which pertains to matters of public interest.
Justice Munib Akhtar remarked that there can be an appeal in the review, and understanding the appeal in the review is the real issue.
The Attorney General responded that the broad jurisdiction will allow both parties to convince the court, and even in cases of serious misconduct, direct appeal lies with the Supreme Court. All these appeals are not related to the High Court; the right of appeal is granted by law, and the new law gives the appeal the status of a review.
Justice Munib Akhtar commented that the new law itself states that it is not an appeal but a review. Justice Ajaz-ul-Hasan stated that from a legal perspective, the law says there is no difference between an appeal and a review.
