ISLAMABAD: Reference has been filed in Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) against 8 judges of Supreme Court (SC) including Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial. Reference has been filed by Mian Dawood advocate.

Violation of Article 209 of Constitution and sections 3 to 6 and 9 have been made basis of reference. In reference SC CJP Umar Ata Bandial, Justice  Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar. Justice Ayesha A. Malik, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Shahid Waheed have been made respondents.

It has been said in text of reference that CJP Bandial has transgressed his powers by fixing for hearing bill which has been approved by Parliament. CJP constituted 8 members bench unconstitutionally. He committed misconduct by heading bench to hear petitions. Other 7 judges have also violated Constitution, law and code of conduct by hearing and suspending bill approved by Parliament.

It has been further alleged in reference CJP has violated code of conduct by protecting his personal and political interests.

Complaint said “CJ Bandial and 7 Justices are guilty of OBVIOUS, GLARING ILLEGAL, UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND MALA FIDE. MISCONDUCT. They have threatened very existence of Supreme Court. They have undermined honour, dignity and ability of SC to administer impartial administration of justice. They are demolishing Apex Court. If CJ Bandial and seven other justices of Supreme Court are not restrained from exercising his administrative powers till conclusion of inquiry and report President in terms Article 209 of the Constitution, the SC may cease to exist as an independent and impartial institution and fundamental right to fair trial of the Citizens of Pakistan will be seriously threatened.”

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 15 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.