Supreme Court gives verdict over ECP petition for reconsidering Punjab elections date
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The Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) plea for a reconsideration of the Supreme Court's directive to hold Punjab elections on May 14, 2023, was resolved on Thursday, as reported by 24NewsHD TV channel. During the proceedings, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Atta Bandial emphasized that the Supreme Court would respond whenever there is a breach of the Constitution.
One of the pivotal aspects raised during the hearing was the modification in the Election Act. The ECP's legal representative, Sajeel Swati, highlighted that the recent amendments to Sections 57 and 58 now empower the ECP to determine the election date. The legal discourse took place in front of a three-judge bench composed of CJP Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, and Justice Muneeb Akhtar.
Justice Muneeb Akhtar drew attention to the specific context of the review case, distinguishing it from the original case. The ECP's lawyer sought to submit additional documents in response to the Supreme Court's detailed verdict on Punjab elections, which had been received two weeks prior.
Prompted by the Chief Justice, the ECP's lawyer presented their response within the courtroom. Chief Justice Bandial expressed gratitude to all those present and underscored the Supreme Court's role in intervening when constitutional violations occur.
Justice Muneeb Akhtar underscored the significance of the Constitution, stating that it belongs to no single entity and cannot be disregarded. He further emphasized that any challenges faced in upholding the Constitution should be addressed through legal channels, such as approaching the court.
In summary, the Supreme Court's disposal of the ECP's review petition regarding Punjab elections reaffirmed the court's commitment to upholding the Constitution and addressing any violations thereof. The legal proceedings revolved around the amended Election Act and the ECP's newfound authority to set election dates. The interaction between the justices and the ECP's lawyer shed light on the nuanced distinction between the review case and the main case, with an emphasis on adhering to legal procedures and constitutional principles.
