LHC hears election symbol plea

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday took up a petition challenging the constitutional validity of Section 215 of the Election Act, which empowers authorities to withdraw election symbols from political parties, and referred the matter to the Chief Justice for further proceedings.

During the hearing, Justice Sultan Tanveer Ahmad observed that the case raises significant constitutional questions and recommended that it be heard by a larger bench. The court subsequently directed that the matter be placed before the Chief Justice for orders regarding bench formation.

The petition was filed by citizen Salma Riaz through her counsel Azhar Siddique, who argued that the provision allowing withdrawal of an election symbol is unconstitutional and infringes upon fundamental political rights.

The counsel contended that the formation of political parties and participation in elections are protected under Article 17 of the Constitution.