SC annuls SHC decision granting bail to Agha Siraj Durrani
A file photo of Speaker Sindh Assembly Agha Siraj Durrani. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The Supreme Court (SC) overturned on Wednesday the Sindh High Court's (SHC) verdict cancelling Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani's bail in the assets beyond means case.
During the hearing, the National Accountability Bureau's (NAB) prosecutor maintained that the provincial assembly speaker’s assets far exceeded his income.
A three-judge bench, headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial, directed the SHC to reconsider its verdict within a period of two months. The SC also instructed the high court to decide the case in light of facts and evidence.
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In addition, the apex court ordered that a bench comprising senior judges hears the bail plea. “There should be [some] basis for granting bail,” Justice Bandial observed.
The prosecutor further stated that Durrani owns more assets than his known sources of income justify.
The SHC, on Dec 13, 2019, granted bails to Durrani and others nominated in an assets beyond means reference, while ordering to include the accused's names in the Exit Control List.
The court also directed the accused to submit their passports and Rs1 million each as surety against their bails.