The Islamabad High Court has directed the session court to decide on the main appeals within one month. Additionally, in the case of marriage during the waiting period (Iddat), the Islamabad High Court has ordered the session court to decide on the requests to suspend the sentences of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi within 10 days. According to details, in the case of marriage during the Iddat period, the Islamabad High Court has issued important instructions, including an order for Session Judge Afzal Majoka to decide on the sentence suspension requests within ten days. Furthermore, the Islamabad High Court has also directed the session court to decide on the main appeals for an unlawful marriage within one month.
It is reported that a hearing regarding the marriage case during the Iddat period was held at the Islamabad High Court. Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb conducted the hearing. Lawyers Salman Akram Raja for PTI founder Imran Khan and Salman Safdar for Bushra Bibi appeared in court. Salman Akram Raja stated, “Session Judge Shah Rukh Arjumand had scheduled a date to decide on the appeals against the sentences. On May 29, instead of announcing the decision, the session judge sent a report to the Chief Justice despite the arguments being completed and only the decision remaining.
On May 23, the session judge said the decision would be announced on May 29, but on that day. The complainant came to court, created a commotion, and expressed no confidence in the court.” Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb asked, “Did they complete the arguments on the 23rd?” Lawyer Salman Akram Raja replied, “After completing the arguments, the court reserved the decision.” The court inquired, “Did the complainant submit a written no-confidence motion against the judge on May 29?” The lawyer responded, “No written request was submitted on May 29, but a no-confidence motion was submitted earlier, which was rejected. Judge Shah Rukh Arjumand had dismissed Khawar Maneka’s first case transfer request.”
The court asked, “Did someone challenge that session court order? Lawyer Salman Akram Raja answered, “No, we did not challenge that order. Justice Hasan Aurangzeb asked, Do you suggest sending the matter back to the session judge, or should the High Court hear it?” Salman Akram Raja stated. The session judge cannot send the case to an additional session judge under him. Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb inquired. Why did the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court write in the order? Salman Akram Raja responded, “Chief Justice Aamer Farooq’s order was administrative, and we do not have a copy. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq decided without notifying us.”
Lawyer Salman Akram Raja argued that an administrative order of the High Court could not overturn a judicial order or prevent relief. Justice Hasan Aurangzeb remarked. If a judge sends the case back himself, would it be appropriate to send it back to him? Wouldn’t sending this case to another judge with a narration be more suitable? Imran Khan’s lawyer said, “Judge Shah Rukh Arjumand wanted to decide the case. Can another petitioner transfer the case by making allegations against the judge? Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb remarked, “Shah Rukh Arjumand is one of the best judicial officers.
How long did the trial of the marriage during the Iddat case take?” Lawyer Salman Akram Raja responded, “Three days.” Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb said. No, I am asking how long the trial took to complete. Salman Akram Raja replied, “I am talking about the trial. The trial lasted twelve hours daily and concluded in three days.” Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb inquired, “When did they frame the charge in the case?
Imran Khan’s lawyer responded, “They framed the charge on January 16, 2024, but they completed the trial in three days. They gave the judge a date to make the decision. They selected this case and gave it to a judge; we also have reservations about it. Tomorrow, we can also raise the same objections against this judge. If one session judge is incompetent, an additional session judge becomes competent. Later, the court issued a notice to Khawar Maneka on Imran Khan’s appeal and sought a response by June 13.
