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Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Sunni Ittehad Council's Specific Seats Petition
Supreme Court reserves verdict on Sunni Ittehad Council's specific seats petition after detailed arguments on Election Commission's responsibilities and candidate affiliations.
ND
by News Desk
2024-07-09
Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Sunni Ittehad Council's Specific Seats Petition

The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on the petition concerning the specific seats of the Sunni Ittehad Council. A full court under the chairmanship of Chief Justice of Pakistan heard the case, during which the lawyers representing the Sunni Ittehad Council presented their arguments.

 

During the hearing, Justice Jamal questioned the status of candidates who submit declaration and nomination papers from the same party, asking whether such candidates would be considered independent. He also inquired if an independent candidate could join any party. Lawyer Faisal Siddiqui responded that if an independent candidate is joining his party, there should be no objection.

 

Justice Irfan Saadat noted that the Sunni Ittehad Council received a "bonus" as their party gained a member without winning a seat, thanks to the Election Commission’s rulings. Justice Athar Minullah raised concerns about the transparency and normalcy of the elections, while Justice Jamal questioned the consequences if the Supreme Court found fault in the Election Commission’s actions.

 

Faisal Siddiqui argued that if the Supreme Court deemed the Election Commission's actions incorrect, it would have to annul the decision. The court also discussed the affiliation certificates, with Siddiqui stating that Hamid Raza submitted a certificate affiliating with Tehreek-e-Insaaf.

 

Justice Athar Minullah remarked that the Election Commission misinterpreted the affiliation, leading to controversy and failing its constitutional responsibilities. Lawyer Salman Akram Raja, representing independent candidates, argued that Tehreek-e-Insaaf-affiliated candidates were wrongly declared independent by the Election Commission.

 

The court acknowledged the importance of the case, highlighting serious questions about the Election Commission’s responsibilities. It criticized the Commission for attempting to suppress records and acting as a party in the case. After completing the hearing, the court reserved its decision, with Chief Justice stating that further consultation would determine when the verdict would be announced.

 

The court staff later informed the parties that a summary judgment would not be issued today.

 
Tagged:

SunniIttehadCouncil

PakistanLaws

ElectionCommission

SupremeCourt
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