The Supreme Court link has sought National Assembly deputy speaker’s March 31 order and the minutes link of the government meetings link held on March 31 and April 3 while maintaining that not holding voting on the no-trust motion was not a procedural mistake rather it was a violation of the Constitution.
During the hearing of court’s suo motu link regarding the political situation in the country following deputy speaker’s rejection of no-confidence motion on Tuesday, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Umar Atta Bandial summoned the March 31 order of the deputy speaker and minutes link of the March 31 and April 3 meetings link.
The CJP remarked that the rules permit tabling of the no-confidence motion. “The Constitution cannot be made ineffective through the rules,” he added.
A five-member larger bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Umer Atta Bandial was hearing the case in Islamabad.
Justice Muneeb Akhtar said that in accordance with the Constitution it was mandatory to hold voting on a no-trust motion within seven days. Justice Muneeb asked how can the court interfere in the National Assembly’s proceedings?
Justice Jamal Khan remarked that not holding voting on the no-trust motion was not a procedural mistake rather it was a violation of the Constitution.
PML-N’s counsel informed the court that if there was a solid reason for deferring the voting beyond the limited period then Article 254 provides protection. “Voting on eighth day will not negate the Constitution,” he declared.