Chief Justice seeks clarification on reserved seats case procedures

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice (CJ) Qazi Faez Isa summoned Deputy Registrar Mujahid Mehmood to provide clarification regarding the recent issuance of a second explanation by eight judges in the reserved seats case.

The CJ also sought responses from the Assistant Registrar Shahid Habib and Webmaster Asim Javed. Faez Isa questioned how the explanation was published on the Supreme Court’s official website without the submission of the original file.

The case pertains to the allocation of reserved seats. The majority of the eight judges previously clarified that a ruling issued on July 12 would remain intact, despite subsequent amendments to the Election Act.

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The clarification confirms that the legislative changes cannot modify judicial decisions that have already been issued.

The CJ’s inquiry raises concerns about adherence to the procedural norms within the highest court in the country. He specifically asked for an explanation regarding the publication of the clarification online without the necessary documentation.

This highlights the issues of transparency and accountability within the court. Notice were issued to both, the deputy and the assistant registrars.

According to reports, the Election Commission of Pakistan has yet to make a definitive decision regarding the implementation of the recent amendments to the Election Act as they relate to the reserved seats.

However, speculation exists that the ECP may eventually choose to implement the amendments.

Legal experts have pointed out that there are precedents within the Supreme Court indicating that new laws typically come into effect following their enactment.