LHC verdict suspended after considering supremacy of Parliament: SC

Apex court hinted towards forming a larger bench to examine the issue of revision to nomination papers

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday observed that the Lahore High Court (LHC) verdict rejecting nomination papers was suspended after considering the supremacy of the Parliament.

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar passed the statement while hearing a petition requesting restoration of clauses and sections from nomination papers issued in 2013. The petition was moved by Advocate Dr Zubair on behalf of the plaintiff.



"Parliament is the representative of masses, it owns the right to make laws," said Justice Nisar.

The court decided that legal arguments need to be put forth to assess the weight of the petition and adjourned the hearing until Wednesday.

"Forget about any delay in elections," Justice Nisar reiterated. "All political parties mutually made the code of conduct. This code of conduct cannot be changed."

The chief justice passed the remarks in the matter related to  implementation of the Workers Party case verdict. Advocate Zubair has not filed the petition. He appeared before the court and verbally argued.

The top court further hinted that a larger bench may be formed to examine the matter of revisions to nomination papers. The court further outlined the jurisdiction of the election commission as well.



On Sunday, the Supreme Court suspended LHC's decision rejecting the nomination papers, drafted by a parliamentary committee, for violating Article 62, 63 of the Constitution of Pakistan.

During the hearing of petitions filed by former speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq and the ECP, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar asserted that the upcoming general polls will be held on July 25. “The ECP will be responsible for any delay in elections,” he had said.