CEC discusses tribunals with LHC CJ

Apex court held that CEC and LHC CJ should hold meaningful consultation on election tribunals

LAHORE:

As per the directives of the Supreme Court, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja on Thursday arrived at the Lahore High Court (LHC) and held a meeting with recently-elevated Chief Justice Aalia Neelum to deliberate on the issue pertaining to the establishment of election tribunals in Punjab for settling poll disputes.

On July 4, the Supreme Court suspended the LHC's decision as well as the election supervisor’s notification for the establishment of eight tribunals in Punjab until its final verdict in the case.

The apex court held that the CEC and the LHC chief justice should hold a meaningful consultation on election tribunals.

On May 29, Justice Shahid Karim-led single judge of the LHC ordered the ECP to notify additional election tribunals for Punjab in light of the nominations sent by the high courts chief justice.

In light of the Supreme Courtts order, the CEC on Thursday arrived at the LHC and met LHC chief justice to discuss the issue pertaining to the constitution of the election tribunals.

Registrar of the LHC, Abher Gul Khan, was also present during the meeting.

Meanwhile, the LHC issued notice to the parties concerned and sought replies in a case pertaining to the appointment of retired judges as election tribunals. The court was hearing a plea challenging the Election Amendment Act 2024.