KARACHI: This is with reference to Yaqoob Khan Bangash’s piece of July 17 titled “Contempt of the people”.
I disagree with the writer on two points. No one can deny the importance and fundamental nature of justice in a given society. However, conflicts can and do arise when those responsible for executing justice clearly overstep their constitutional mandate and decide, not based upon the principles of justice, but personal whim.
Secondly, I am sure that the learned writer must be aware of how income tax was levied in America. The US government implemented it and it was struck down by the courts and declared unconstitutional. After that, Congress had to amend the US Constitution and in 1913, the Sixteenth Amendment was passed and ratified, and this enabled the federal government to levy direct taxes. The point I am trying to make is that, at least from the American experience, it should be clear that parliament was paramount and that the judiciary had to adapt to its will, which in this case was embodied through the institution of the Sixteenth Amendment.
Adnan Manzoor
Published in The Express Tribune, July 18th, 2012.
