Earlier, the Supreme Court rejected the request of prime minister's counsel, Aitzaz Ahsan, to postpone the announcement of the verdict in the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) implementation case.
The hearing was underway by a seven-member bench, headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk.
Aitzaz prayed before the bench today that the verdict should be announced after he is done presenting evidence in the contempt case against the premier.
The bench observed that it will announce a "proper verdict" in the NRO implementation case today. The bench also directed Aitzaz to continue his arguments without thinking that the verdict will influence the contempt case.
Aitzaz insisted again for a fair trial under Article 10-A of the Constitution.
He said that the bench hearing the case was a violation of Article 10-A and prayed that a new bench should be constituted to hear the case.
Justice Gulzar Ahmed asked where Aitzaz will appeal if another bench takes a decision against the premier.
As per Article 10-A, judges who initiated proceedings in suo motu cases are not eligible to sit in trial benches, he added.
During the last hearing, the prime minister’s counsel, while avoiding domestic immunity, had claimed international immunity for President Asif Ali Zardari “as long as he (Zardari) is the president”.
The apex court had also directed Aitzaz counsel to complete his evidence by Wednesday, April 18.
COMMENTS (25)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
@Ahmer Ali: Lets wait for the end game. Pray that it augers well for the Country.
Whatever happening is in the Supreme Court in regard of PM's contempt of court all is useless and in vain because giving/taking dates for hearing are only the delaying tactics from the government and Supreme Court and this is confirmed that 1-PPP's government is going to complete its 5-year's tenure, 2-PM Gillani is not going to be disqualified, 3-there is nothing going to be changed/happened in this regard, 4-time and money are going to be wasted and 5-Nation's related core and burning issues,problems and difficulties are being ignored and even are being increased.
Contempt & NRO cases will continue to hang in limbo till next general elections.Some one tell us how many corruption cases have been decided over the past 4 years?
Aitazaz harping on nuances. Trying to provoke the SC Bench. SM Zafar on record about 10-A. No spectacular argument. Harping on the same thing on & on. If in a Lower Bench Contempt is done the Judge immediately deals with him. So what is the difference. Why should somebody else hear the case. Is Mr.Gilani not an ordinary Mortal or he is from the Angel's. The whole NA should be dissolved along with the Provincial Govts. Mr. Gilani deserves the maximum punishment. Can't expect such an act of violation & Defiance from the Head of Govt.
Well done Judges... keep on giving next dates... keep on delaying... No doubt that the justice system in Pakistan is broken.
JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED!
@Logic Europe: What happened to Bhutto was the Will of Allah. To late to cry over spilled milk.
@Attif Abbas: Mr. Abbas remember Justice is blind. Stop mulling and berating about the SC.. Enough is Enough . Haven't you blatantly(I call it culpable Homicide) destroyed this Country. Just relax & let the Courts do its work.
Courts, if you wanna be undisputed don't raise any case against any PPP member and let them do whatever they want otherwise you aren't fair.
When the Judgement was given in the NRO Case by the 17 Hon'able Judges they very well aware about 248. They in their collective wisdom as explained by Justice(retd) Ramdhay were clear that 248 did not apply in this Swiss Case being a Civil Offence, asked the Govt to reopen the case.
So what's the delay in the Verdict.
These Judges have made up their minds, as they already have given the verdict in badi-Un-Nazar. There is no point in continuing this trial. What most ironic is that this is a trial and being heard in an applet court. People who are maligning Aitzaz should be ashamed of their selves.
Well done judges, give time again and again and facilitate the looters to complete their term.
SC using smart tactics to delay court decision….giving more time to end the tenure of MP and National Assembly…….delay justice better than no justice, justice delay leads unrest, corruption and appreciation of culprits.
To some extent "Aitzaz Ahsan" is also right..... As a president enjoys immunity, why premier has to face penalty for not writing to swiss authorities against president???? Atlast president enjoys immunity. GOD bless our courts neither good nor bad!!!
Aitizaz has ruined his reputation and lost the good will of general public by taking an immoral stand. Let see how Zardari eventually blesses him as he has opted to get his blessings rather than stand the moral ground.
Atizaz is a big let down
Supreme court will not make a decision against the prime minister. The case will go on. Unless a true and honest person comes into power, these lotairays will eat up pakistan. When we get an honest leader in place, Inshallah in kay moon say nawala tak cheen liya jaye ga .... Epitome of corruption .....
SAB SAY PEHLAY PAKISTAN ... PAKISTAN ZINDABAD
Z.A Bhutto was person who could not bear opposition and manhandled his political opponents. He was a murderer sentenced by courts. Zardari wants to get poltical mileage for himself. SC should not go against the established rules and procedures and should not waste its time on such frivolous issues.
strongly wish wish for the true justice for the people of pakistan.
Aitzaz's usual tactics for delay in Justice I remember when Aitzaz used to say: "Adal Bina Jamhoor na hoga" but now he can say's :"Senate ticket bina Jamhoor na hoga"
see! how the loyalty is changed for money.. yesterday's HERO is now ZERO!
Article 10a says "For the determination of his civil rights and obligations or in any criminal charge against him a person shall be entitled to a fair trial and due process."
This guy is a true Pakistani. Personal interests should be supreme .... mulk ki khair he hai!
as in Z A Bhutoo case,the judges are determined to bring another era of disrepute for their institution