The Punjab chief minister’s election case was determined by the Supreme Court on merit, according to Pakistan’s Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, who added that the Supreme Court Bar Association’s (SCBA) involvement in the case was “biassed.”
On the eve of the start of the new judicial year, CJP Bandial addressed a full court reference and brought up the Punjab CM’s election case, which received condemnation from the political parties. The federation had asked a full court bench, according to the CJP, which was against the law.
Does the federal government’s answer indicate respect for the judiciary, CJP questioned in reference to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan JCP meeting where the body had rejected Bandial’s nominees for justices of high courts to be appointed to the Supreme Court.
According to CJP Bandial, there were issues with the delivery of affordable and prompt justice, a backlog of cases, and the use of suo motu power when he took office. The CJP highlighted the accomplishments by noting that there were now 50,265 fewer cases pending with the judiciary than there were 54,134.
In reference to swift justice, the CJP stated that he had taken note of the decision made by the former NA deputy speaker Qasim Suri and ruled it illegal after a five-day hearing before issuing the verdict within three days after consulting with other justices.
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Following the political events in March 2022, the apex court received a significant number of cases, he noted. According to him, the Supreme Court would not think twice about taking action if the Constitution or other institutions protected by it were threatened, violated, or undercut.
The chief justice declared that the SC was dedicated to upholding the Constitution in every way, from its directives to the state, its citizens, to the protection of institutions.
According to CJP Bandial, the Supreme Court only took action in all other cases involving the public interest after receiving petitions from important parties challenging suspected illegal legislative or executive branch decisions.
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The CJP urged all political parties, their leaders, all decision-makers, and privileged members of society to put aside their differences and grievances and act in unison for the public interest and the national good in reference to serious economic and political challenges as well as the recent floods.
The Supreme Court would continue to diligently carry out its duties to safeguard the Constitution and the fundamental rights guaranteed to Pakistani citizens, the chief justice reaffirmed. In order to evaluate the role to be played by the judiciary in determining Pakistan’s future course, the Law and Justice Commission is holding a conference later this month called “75 Years of Pakistan,” according to the chief justice.