Constitution of larger bench to decide fate of 21st Amendment

Three days have been given to submit a reply pertaining to the amendment

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday referred the case of the 21st Constitution Amendment to the chief justice of Pakistan, while requesting the CJ to constitute a larger bench to decide the fate of the 21st Amendment. 

A three-judge bench headed by Justice Anwer Zaheer Jamali hearing the constitutional petition against the establishment of military courts.

Read: Supremacy of Constitution: 21st amendment challenged in top court

On Monday, the federal as well as provincial governments expressed their full and unqualified support to the 21st constitutional Amendment, which led to the formation of military courts for the prosecution of civilians who wage war against the state in the name of religion or sect.

Read: Court battle: Parliament can curtail fundamental rights, says govt

During the hearing, the four provinces and the federal government submitted their statements regarding the case. Advocate general Islamabad territories failed to submit his response and the court gave him 3 days to submit his reply.

Read: Challenging military courts: Centre, provinces asked to respond to LHCBA plea

The bench observed that the case regarding the 18th Constitution Amendment will be heard first followed by the 21st Constitution Amendment. Although the dates regarding the two will be set together, they will be heard separately.