ISLAMABAD: Controversy surrounding Supreme Court’s verdict on Punjab elections took another turn after Justice Athar Minallah, in his detailed order stated that case was dismissed by 4 to 3 and clarified “He had not recused nor had any reason to dissociate himself” from case. Justice Minallah stated that he agreed with Justice Yahya Afridi’s note on dismissal of petition and his reasoning in short order was “Persuasive” therefore he had no “Hesitation in concurring with decision”.

“I had reiterated my decision by recording my note in order of February 24, 2023. I have had privilege of reading detailed reasoning recorded by my learned brothers, Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Jamal Khan Mandokhail, JJs and I agree with their opinion, particularly regarding final outcome of petitions and suo motu assumption of jurisdiction by majority of 4 to 3 because this was understanding in meeting held in anteroom on February 27, 2023. It is noted that I had not recused nor had any reason to dissociate myself,” said judge in his detailed note.  Justice Minallah was among judges who rejected suo motu notice taken by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial regarding delay in polls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab on advice of an SC bench hearing Ghulam Mehmood Dogar case.

Judge noted that Supreme Court has remained at centre stage of an “Unprecedented charged and polarised political milieu” since April of last year when former National Assembly Deputy Speaker dissolved lower house.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 08 2023

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