Supreme Court’s Justice Mansoor Ali Shah on Friday raised an objection to the bench hearing a petition filed by PTI Chairman Imran Khan against the NAB amendments, suggesting the Chief Justice of Pakistan form a full court. A three-judge SC bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Umar Ata Bandial, and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah was hearing the petition. During the hearing, Justice Shah who is part of the bench objected to it, remarking that the NAB amendments case would have its own impact. He observed that the Attorney General for Pakistan had raised the objection in the military courts case. “I think this case should be heard by the full court. I suggest that the Chief Justice of Pakistan form the full court,” Justice Shah added.

He went on to remark that in the presence of Sections 3 and 4 of the Practice and Procedure Act, this case should be heard by at least five members. “Either the Supreme Court should decide the Practice and Procedure Act case or constitute a full court,” Justice Shah suggested. The judge also referred to his note written during the military courts case. He said his objection was that such cases could be heard only by the full court. After the objection raised by the member of the bench, the Supreme Court adjourned the case till August 28. Earlier, Dr Yasir Aman, assistant lawyer of Khawaja Haris (PTI chairman’s lawyer) appeared before the court. He told the court that Khawaja Haris was unwell and the latter allowed him to appear before the court in his stead. The court allowed the assistant lawyer of Khawaja Haris to present his arguments.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)