A three-judge bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk, was hearing three petitions, including one filed by former SC judge Justice Mahmood Akhtar Shahid Siddiqui.
"Thank you, these petitions are dismissed,” the chief justice said to the petitioners after hearing their arguments about the maintainability of their petitions.
The bench observed that they could not overlook Article 225 of the Constitution, which states that all election matters would be heard by election tribunals.
The chief justice further said that there is no record on whether last year’s elections were rigged, maintaining that allegations are not enough to proceed in this matter.
Mulk also objected the fact that the petitioners did not name any parliamentarians as party in the petition, as they are the ones who would be affected by the court’s verdict.
During the hearing, Justice Siddiqui’s counsel Mian Allah Nawaz submitted the petition, arguing that the 2013 elections are a challenge to the “role and constitutional functions of the SC, and the court has the duty and power under Article 184(3) of the Constitution to come to the rescue of beleaguered citizens of Pakistan.”
The counsel contended that Article 225 is not applicable in this matter.
He went on to claim that the ECP purchased defective ink from the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Laboratories and National Database and Regulation Authority (NADRA), and supplied it to returning officers and presiding officers for use in polling stations.
The petition also questioned why officials of the ECP failed to follow the “statutory pre-requisites to the electoral process.”
According to sources, Justice Siddiqui was close to former chief justice Ifitkhar Chaudhry during his tenure.
COMMENTS (13)
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Imran Khan is a living legend. Years from now, we will remember him as the one man, who took it upon himself to bring to light the nepotism and corruption that exists in Pakistan. The shady backdoor deals, the rigging, bribery, its unbelievable. For the current establishment, and status quo, with their cozy ministerial positions, and corrupt businesses, its a huge wake up call for them. For the first time, a brave citizen has brought light to this, something we all knew, but didnt think would ever change. What a leader. His message is not of negativity, but of hope, justice, fairness, equality, and respect for law. Anyone who supports the current regime has a vested interest in the system and is as guilty as the ones accused. Anyone with a clear conscience should be furious.
@Parvez and other PTI Supporters Shame on your intellect really! Have you totally lost your sense of analysis. There was NO CASE. Law does not work on your whims and wishes. There is a process and legal basis for things to happen. Try to understand law and how stupid these petitions were.
A big deserved slap on the face of PTI. Well done to the Supreme Court.
......and a pillar of the ' status quo ' speaks. Did anyone expect different ?
The decision was expected keeping in view the continued love affair but NS and judiciary. Election commission is comprised of retired jurists. How could the sitting judges pass a judgement against them? And of course when these sitting judges retire their next destination is election commission so they have to protect it at all costs.
@Faraz: Every one does have trust in any new leader. Until he proves by his actions to be corrupt. Even we thought Iftikhar chaudry was an honest man as he was CJP. But his actions showed that he was biased. You cannot consider a person as corrupt until you have tried and tested him.
Those who are blaming SC should read article 225 of Pakistan Constitution
Whats new ? This was the expected outcome. Next to be dismissed will be the charge for lying in NA on the grounds that the NA has mechanism to redress this.
These petitions submitted are not going to be fruitful, Imran Khan and his followers are just wasting time hoping and expecting from the SC to deliver a verdict in their favor for the re-elections or the investigation of allegedly rigged constituencies, Elections have always been rigged, It's not the first time, this is democracy which is a system full of flaws.
The chief justice further said that there is no record on whether last year’s elections were rigged, maintaining that allegations are not enough to proceed in this matter. Slap on the face of IK and PTI. Nasir ul mulk is the judge where interestingly IK has confidence but now he would say that Nasir ul mulk was also involved in rigging.
SC stands for Sharif Court. Judges were involved in rigging or anomalies either in EC or as retiring officers. How could they punish themselves. Forget justice in Islamic Republic of Pakistan: The castle of Islam.
It is getting clear and clear every day that Ik is right , justice can only be got on the roads in this system