Lahore High Court Forms Full Bench to Address Challenges to the 27th Amendment
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has taken a significant step in addressing the legal challenges surrounding the 27th Amendment. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum constituted a full bench consisting of three judges to hear petitions contesting the amendment. Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan will lead the bench, with Justice Jawad Hassan and Justice Sultan Tanvir Ahmad as the other members. SindhNews.com will continue to provide updates.
The formation of the full bench comes after Justice Chaudhry Muhammad Iqbal recused himself from the cases. He subsequently requested the Chief Justice to assign the petitions to a more appropriate bench. This decision underscores the complexity and importance of the matter.
Concerns Raised in Petitions Against the 27th Amendment
Several petitioners, including lawyers Munir Ahmad and Mian Shabbir Ismail, have filed petitions against the 27th Amendment. Through their advocate, Azhar Siddique, they argue that the amendment is at odds with the fundamental structure and spirit of the 1973 Constitution.
The petitioners raise concerns that the amendment could undermine the status of the Supreme Court, potentially compromising judicial independence. They allege that it distorts over six decades of judicial history and tradition in the country. The petitioners maintain that a federal constitutional court was not part of the original design.
Another petitioner, Hassan Latif, has also challenged the 27th Amendment. He argues that the changes included in the amendment contradict the preamble to the Constitution and aim to limit the Supreme Court’s powers. This underscores the widespread nature of the concerns.
The petitioners further argue that the current National Assembly lacks the authority to introduce such significant constitutional changes. They point out that the amendment appears contrary to Islamic provisions, judicial independence, and fundamental rights. SindhNews.com is dedicated to providing credible news.
In essence, the petitions present a comprehensive challenge, citing various constitutional principles and historical precedents. The full bench will now review these arguments.
Next Steps and Considerations
The cause list for the full bench is expected to be issued soon, setting the stage for the formal hearings. This will determine the trajectory of the legal proceedings. The outcomes of these hearings could have a large impact on the future of constitutional practices.
Conclusion
The formation of the LHC full bench represents a crucial development in the legal battle surrounding the 27th Amendment. The court will now weigh several arguments. The court’s decision will be critical in deciding the constitutionality and impact it will have on the judiciary.