Islamabad: During the hearing of the review petitions against the reserved seats decision under hearing in the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench, Sunni Ittehad lawyer Faisal Siddiqui objected to the constitutional bench and sought time to file a miscellaneous petition. Justice Aminuddin Khan remarked that why did you think of objecting to the bench only on the third hearing? Justice Musarat Hilali inquired why didn’t you file a miscellaneous petition first?
According to a private TV, an 11-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan heard the review petitions against the reserved seats decision.
The constitutional bench consists of Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, Justice Mussrat Hilali, Justice Hashim Kakar, Justice Shahid Bilal, Justice Salahuddin Panhor, Justice Aamir Farooq and Justice Baqir Najafi.
During the hearing, Sunni Ittehad Council lawyer Faisal Siddiqui appeared in the court and sought time to submit his reply. Faisal Siddiqui took the stand that there was an objection to the constitutional bench as well, and a petition should be filed against it as well.
Justice Aminuddin Khan asked why he thought of objecting to the bench only on the third hearing? Faisal Siddiqui took the stand that notices were issued on the first hearing, a fight broke out on the second hearing, and today is the third hearing.
Justice Mussrat Hilali asked if he knew that the case was going on, why didn’t he file a separate petition first? Faisal Siddiqui said that we did not receive any formal notice, we came to know about the court proceedings from TV, we could not ignore the court proceedings, anyway this is not a death sentence case.
Justice Aminuddin Khan remarked that if we did not receive the notice, we would not have come, do not talk politics while standing in the court, this is an 11-member constitutional bench, we have to fix the case by taking out slots, the judges have to hear other cases.
Justice Jamal Mandokhel remarked that in my opinion everyone should get a proper opportunity to be heard, if time is given to file miscellaneous applications, it will not make a difference.
Justice Jamal Mandokhel asked Faisal Siddiqui why did you not come today with the objection application? Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that we will give you time till tomorrow, Justice Musarat Hilali remarked that even an hour is enough for you.
Faisal Siddiqui took the stand that give me two days to file a miscellaneous application, first let the objection petition be heard on my bench, then if the petition has to be dismissed, then of course, dismiss it with a smile.
PML-N lawyer Haris Azmat took the stand that we have submitted additional submissions in the case, in this case Makhdoom Ali Khan is the lawyer for the private parties, if appropriate, then let Makhdoom Ali Khan be heard as the senior lawyer first.
Justice Aminuddin Khan remarked that the petitioners should settle this matter among themselves. Later, the court adjourned the hearing of the case till May 19.
