In a statement issued by Bar President Riasat Ali Azad, the association emphasized its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, the supremacy of the Constitution, and the independence of the judiciary. The statement recalled that during Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial’s tenure, when senior judges faced hostility and bench reshuffling, the Bar stood firmly with Justice Qazi Faez Isa.
Previous Precedent
The statement highlighted that a similar issue had been resolved earlier by the Supreme Court's Peshawar Bench, comprising Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah. They had ruled that once a case is assigned to a bench and hearings commence, the same bench must continue hearing and deciding the case until its final resolution.
Concerns Raised
The Islamabad High Court Bar asserted that removing a specific case from Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s bench contradicts the Supreme Court’s established rulings and constitutes contempt of court.
- The Bar reaffirmed its principled stance, declaring solidarity with Justice Mansoor Ali Shah in light of past judicial precedents.
- It demanded that cases previously heard by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s bench be restored to him.
- The statement warned that failing to adhere to this principle would reduce the Supreme Court to a mere subordinate body of executive control, violating constitutional norms and undermining judicial independence.
Commitment to Judicial Independence
The Islamabad High Court Bar assured that lawyers remain active and organized in their struggle for judicial independence and the restoration of the Constitution in its true form. The association pledged to continue its efforts until these goals are achieved.
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