ISLAMABAD: Following the series of leaked audios against judges, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Atta Bandial on Wednesday observed that the Supreme Court is a constitutional institution that can be “discredited” by audio tapes. Is.
The Chief Justice made these remarks while hearing a petition filed against his transfer by Ghulam Mahmood Dogar, the former capital city police officer of Lahore headed by a two-member bench. During the hearing, the Supreme Court also disposed of the appeal as it was withdrawn by the petitioner.
The Chief Justice said that the Supreme Court is a constitutional institution which is being maligned through audio tapes. He further said that the Supreme Court will act with restraint to protect the supreme institution.
These audio tapes defaming constitutional institutions are of no importance. We are being patient and watching these tapes gently. The Chief Justice said that we will protect the institution. He added that it is unfortunate that baseless and false allegations have been made against the judges in the audio and video leak.
“What is the authenticity of these audio and video tapes?” The Chief Justice gave remarks.
At the start of the hearing, Dowager’s lawyer Abid Zuberi told the court that he wanted to withdraw the plea.
Meanwhile, the lawyer of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) told the court that the schedule of elections in Punjab has been released.
According to Article 218, it is our responsibility to conduct free and fair elections. For a level playing field, the ECP has the power to reshuffle the bureaucracy,” the lawyer said. He added that the caretaker government can also transfer officers with the approval of the ECP.
On this, Justice Yahya Afridi inquired that when does the Election Commission use the authority to issue transfer and posting orders?
Chief Justice Bandial remarked that the Election Commission uses the power to transfer officers to ensure transparent elections. “It has been established that the caretaker government transfers officers with the permission of the ECP.”
The Chief Justice said that the Election Commission itself can order the caretaker government to exchange officers.
Moving forward, Chief Justice Bandial remarked that the ECP has wide powers, adding that all political parties should get an equal chance during elections.
The learned judge also remarked that the ECP should not give a free hand to the caretaker government to transfer officers. He added that the ECP should ask the caretaker government about such conversions.
The Chief Justice said that sometimes the words of the Supreme Court are misinterpreted. He added that the court remarked that there was an honest prime minister in 1988 who was misunderstood by Parliament.
The Chief Justice clarified that we did not say that till date there has been only one honest Prime Minister. He further said that the court has protected the constitutional institutions in its decisions.
“The judiciary is being attacked [and] the judiciary will be protected,” the top judge said.
