Justice Munib Akhtar declares today's SC ruling illegal in Article 63-A review case

I want to register my protest against today's order, which is not a judicial one and has no legal standing, says judge

ISLAMABAD:

Differences within the Supreme Court have intensified as a second letter from Justice Munib Akhtar surfaced within 12 hours, questioning the legality of the four-judge bench's proceedings in the Article 63-A review case.

In his latest letter to the Supreme Court Registrar, Justice Akhtar raised concerns about the composition of the bench, stating that a five-member larger bench was required to hear the case. "A four-member bench cannot sit to review the Article 63-A case," Justice Akhtar wrote.

He further noted that although the order from today's hearing included his name, he had not signed it. "The four judges on the bench are honourable, but today's proceedings are not in accordance with the law or court rules," he said. "I want to register my protest against today's order, which is not a judicial one and has no legal standing."

On the other hand, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa has convened an important meeting of the Judges' Practice and Procedure Committee for tomorrow at 9am. Sources suggest that another judge may be inducted to replace Justice Akhtar in the Article 63-A review case.

Earlier, Justice Akhtar had objected to the formation of benches and the judges' committee. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah had also previously raised concerns about the amended ordinance under which the judges' committee was formed.

The meeting tomorrow is expected to address these internal disagreements.