SC reserves verdict on petitions challenging judgments review law

SC reserves verdict on petitions challenging judgments review law

Islamabad (Web Desk): The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday reserved the verdict on petitions challenging the Supreme Court (Review of Judgments and Orders) Act 2023 after arguments were completed from both sides.

A three-member bench of the top court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar heard the petitions challenging the vires of the Supreme Court (Review of Judgments and Orders) Act 2023.

Ghulam Mohiuddin, Zaman Khan Vardak and the Jurists Foundation, through its CEO Riaz Hanif Rahi, had challenged the vires of the Act.

During today’s hearing, Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan and PTI lawyer Ali Zafar concluded their arguments in the case after which the apex court reserved its verdict.

In his remarks, CJP Bandial said “We will announce the verdict after discussing it among ourselves,”

“Let’s see what happens, ” he said.

During the previous hearing, the CJP had observed that laws like the Supreme Court (Review of Judgements and Orders) Act, 2023 should have been enacted after taking advice from people like the AGP, who have experience with litigation.

Justice Bandial had said that the top court would welcome any remedy provided in respect of its orders or judgements given under Article 184(3), which allows the Supreme Court to assume jurisdiction in matters of public importance,

The CJP, however, added that “we expect that such laws should be formulated carefully”.