To hear the matter on reserved seats of the Islamabad Sunni Ittehad Council, all 13 available judges have been included in the full court bench constituted by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. This move demonstrates how important this decision is, as it could reshape our politics and require a comprehensive judicial review.
Following a dubious decision by the Peshawar High Court, the Sunni Ittehad Chamber documented an allure with the High Court. The High Court had decided to distribute reserved seats that belonged to them among other political parties. They perceived these actions as not only denying their rights but also unfairly redistributing political representation.
Decision Made By Peshawar High Court
The Peshawar High Court justified its decision to reallocate reserved seats for members of the Sunni Ittehad Council by interpreting electoral laws and regulations in broader terms so as to enhance inclusiveness within politics. According to them, this meant that no party should monopolize these positions; however, according to SUNNI ITTEHAD COUNCIL, they considered it an act against their political status, which would eventually reduce their influence over affairs in general.
Constitution Of Full Bench
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa will preside over a hearing on June 3, where all thirteen sitting SC judges are expected to attend, thereby forming a full court bench. These benches typically ensure thorough arguments of each legal point from various perspectives, considering the diverse implications arising from such cases.
Justice Musarrat Hilali’s Absence
Justice Musarrat Hilali’s ill health, caused by heart-related complications, prevented her from participating in this process. However, representation remains necessary irrespective of a member’s absence, as another individual can step in, ensuring the quorum needed for decision-making bodies like the Supreme Court, in particular.
Previous Proceedings
Earlier, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah temporarily suspended the Peshawar High Court’s ruling until the SC gave a final judgment. This move saved the SUNNI ITTEHAD COUNCIL all its seats, which it was to lose immediately after the PHC announced this.
SUNNI ITTEHAD COUNCIL’s Arguments
The legal team representing SUNNI ITTEHAD COUNCIL argued that Peshawar HC’s decision did not align with their constitutional rights on reserved seats; it also violated other established privileges enjoyed over a long period within Pakistani politics. Furthermore, lawyers asserted that labeling such an act as biased stems from its primary aim of politically weakening them, and thus, democratic countries like Pakistan should not permit it.
Importance Of The Supreme Court’s Ruling
Many people are eagerly waiting for the verdict from the Supreme Court because it will have far-reaching effects, especially when we talk about political representation vis-a-vis interpretation relating to electoral laws in Pakistan. Suppose this judgment goes in favor of the Sunni Ittehad council. In that case, they should definitely be ready to take on more responsibilities as well as set precedence for future instances in which different parties may seek similar relief. If PHC upholds its verdict, various political parties might need to rethink the distribution of these positions.
On June 3, the Supreme Court’s full court bench will hear the important reserved seats case of Islamabad Ittehad Council for Sunnis. The decision to constitute a full court bench reflects the significance of this case and the requirement for thorough judicial review. During this momentous legal procedure, political representation and electoral law implications are paramount as the country awaits SC’s judgment.
