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SC Bench Hearing Reserved Seats Case Dissolves After Judge Recuses
SC bench hearing reserved seats review breaks up as Justice Salahuddin Panhwar recuses himself after objections from lawyer Hamid Khan. “Public trust in judiciary is vital,” he says.
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-27
SC Bench Hearing Reserved Seats Case Dissolves After Judge Recuses

The Supreme Court bench hearing review petitions in the reserved seats case broke up on Thursday after Justice Salahuddin Panhwar recused himself, citing objections raised by senior lawyer Hamid Khan over the composition of the bench.

At the outset of the hearing, Justice Panhwar announced that he would no longer be part of the proceedings.

“Public trust in the judiciary is essential,” he stated. “It is important that no party should have objections to the bench.”

Justice Panhwar noted that Hamid Khan had objected to the inclusion of certain judges on the bench who were appointed after the 26th Constitutional Amendment, including himself.

“Since my inclusion has been challenged, I cannot remain on the bench. I would like to read out my short decision,” he said.

While addressing Hamid Khan, Justice Panhwar added:

“You and I have worked together since 2010. Your arguments personally hurt me, but this is not a personal matter. Judges were accused of bias, which is deeply painful. The judiciary must not be seen as partial.”

In response, Hamid Khan said he welcomed the judge’s initiative, prompting Justice Aminuddin Khan to object:

“This is not a matter for appreciation. We are hearing another counsel from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) in the same case.”

The atmosphere in court grew tense as Justice Jamal Mandokhel rebuked Hamid Khan for his behavior:

“All of this is a result of your conduct. You were not entitled to give arguments in this case, but we gave you the opportunity out of respect.”

Following Justice Panhwar’s recusal, the bench dissolved, and the hearing was paused for a 10-minute recess.

This latest development adds to the ongoing legal and political controversy surrounding the implementation of the Supreme Court’s July 12, 2024 order, which declared 39 out of 80 reserved MNAs as returned PTI candidates — a decision that is yet to be implemented by the National Assembly and has been challenged by PML-N, PPP, and the ECP.

The breakdown of the bench further complicates proceedings in what is considered one of the most consequential constitutional cases of the year.

 
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