SC rejects PTI’s intra-party election review petition

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) review petition regarding its intra-party elections, upholding its earlier decision from January 13.

A three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarat Hilali, heard the case.

JI considering challenging 26th constitutional amendment in SC

During the proceedings, PTI’s counsel Hamid Khan requested the constitution of a larger bench to hear the revision petition. He argued that the matter should be referred to the relevant committee for the formation of a larger bench, stressing the importance of revisiting the legal framework in light of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) case.

However, Chief Justice Isa pointed out that this case itself was a review petition, emphasising that in such matters, the court must focus on the legality of judicial decisions rather than on forming a larger bench. He remarked, “We have to look at the law,” making it clear that the purpose of a review is to address the legality of the previous judgment.

When Hamid Khan referenced the SIC and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) case, urging the court to reconsider its precedent, the Chief Justice responded, “Why should we look at that decision? This is another matter.”

Justice Mansoor takes a quip at constitutional benches during SC hearings

Hamid Khan further argued that the three-member bench was not in a position to hear the case, citing the fact that a 13-member bench had previously ruled in the SIC case, which remains under revision. Despite his arguments, the court ultimately decided to dismiss PTI’s review petition, affirming its earlier decision.