The manner in which the objection was raised raised questions about the dignity of the court, Justice Salahuddin withdrew his objection.
Islamabad: The 11-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court hearing the reserved seats case has broken up.
Justice Salahuddin Panhor, who was part of the 11-member bench of the Supreme Court, has separated from the bench of the reserved seats case. The hearing of the case to be held today was being held under the chairmanship of Justice Aminuddin Khan, however, at the beginning of the hearing, Justice Salahuddin Panhor excused himself from being part of the bench, saying that there was an objection to his inclusion.
Justice Salahuddin Panhor remarked that I have a connection with you since 2010. Lawyers like Faisal Siddiqui and Salman Akram Raja expressed their confidence in the judges, but the manner in which the objection was raised raised questions about the dignity of the court, so I am separating from the bench to protect the reputation of the institution.
He clarified that his separation should not be taken as an admission of any objection.
Advocate Hamid Khan, who was present in the court, described Justice Salahuddin Panhor’s decision as commendable, however, Justice Aminuddin Khan said that this is not a matter of praise, it is all because of your conduct.
Justice Jamal Mandokhel also said that your conduct is the basis for this reaction. We listened to you with consideration, although two lawyers from the same party are not entitled to arguments, yet we gave you the opportunity to speak.
Hamid Khan took the position that he has the right to give arguments on the basis of review in this case, however, Justice Jamal Mandokhel said that you were not entitled to give arguments in this case.
During the hearing, Justice Salahuddin Panhor further said that I was personally hurt by your arguments, but this is not a matter of my character, the judges were accused of bias, which caused pain. The impression among the public that the judge is biased is not correct.
At this point, the hearing of the case was adjourned for 10 minutes. Justice Aminuddin Khan said that the bench would reconvene after 10 minutes.
