SC annuls LHC verdict on Punjab election tribunals
The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the appeal of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding the Punjab election tribunals, overturning a prior ruling from the Lahore High Court (LHC).
This decision was delivered by a five-member bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa. Chief Justice Isa announced the ruling, reserved on September 24, which endorsed the ECP’s appeal unanimously, with a 5-0 vote and no dissent from any of the judges.
Moreover, he also mentioned that Justices Jamal Mandokhail and Aqeel Abbasi had submitted an additional note regarding the verdict.
The ruling comes in response to the LHC’s dismissal on June 12 of the ECP’s request to appoint four more judges to the Punjab election tribunals.
Following this, the ECP sought redress from the Supreme Court.
In a previous session, the top court had reserved its ruling on the ECP’s appeal against the LHC’s decision regarding the establishment of eight election tribunals in Punjab, after being informed that the issue had been settled.
The court dismissed the objections concerning the bench, also expressed optimism that the formation of the election tribunals would soon get underway. Chief Justice Isa underscored the importance of resolving electoral disputes in a timely manner.
Previously, on July 5, the bench had placed a temporary hold on the LHC’s decision to establish eight election tribunals, instructing the Chief Election Commissioner and the LHC Chief Justice to collaborate on the issue.
On May 29, Justice Shahid Karim of the LHC directed the ECP to announce additional election tribunals for Punjab, following nominations provided by the Chief Justice of the high court. The LHC emphasized that under Article 219(c) in conjunction with Article 222(b) of the Constitution, the LHC Chief Justice holds precedence in the appointment of election tribunals as per Section 140 of the Elections Act, 2017.
Following this, on June 12, the LHC Chief Justice established eight election tribunals in accordance with the May 29 order, prompting the ECP to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.
This ruling is regarded as a crucial advancement in the electoral process in Punjab, ensuring that election tribunals are sufficiently equipped to manage electoral disputes effectively.
