Written replies submitted to SC in judges transfer, seniority case

ISLAMABAD: The Constitutional Bench of Supreme Court resumed hearing on petitions related to transfer and seniority of judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC). A five-member constitutional bench headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar presided over the hearing.

Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan came to the rostrum and informed the court that since the last hearing, written replies have been submitted to the court by the parties.

Justice Mazhar asked the petitioner judges’ counsel Munir A Malik if he would you like to respond to these replies. “Yes, I will respond in writing,” Malik answered. Justice Mazhar asked, “How much time do you need?”

Five IHC judges refuse to engage counsel in transfers, seniority case

The counsel asked to be given time until next Thursday. To this the bench asked why did he need so much time. “Many lawyers have to give arguments,” Justice Mazhar added.

Karachi Bar’s lawyer Faisal Siddiqui said that he will not be available next week. AGP Awan also said that he will be traveling out of the country.

“Don’t make this case so long,” Justice Mazhar said. To this Lawyer Siddiqui said, “Next week there will also be the military courts case.” Justice Mazhar responded, “We will keep this case in the morning. And either way, the military courts case is at 11:30 AM.”

Afterwards, the bench adjourned the hearing of the judges transfer and seniority in IHC case until April 29.

“The next hearing [of this case] will be from 9:30 AM to 11 AM,” Justice Mazhar said, adding, “The military courts case will continue as usual at 11:30 AM.”