SUO MOTU CASES: Resolution favours review of SC verdicts

The resolution was moved by Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Farhatullah Babar

ISLAMABAD:

The Senate unanimously adopted on Monday a resolution calling upon the government to enact legislation for the right to review the Supreme Court’s verdicts in suo motu cases.

The resolution, moved by Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Farhatullah Babar, was put to vote after the government did not raise any objection over it.

Babar later told the media that the unanimous adoption of the resolution was “a landmark development” as it required the government to adopt appropriate legislation to streamline the suo motu procedure.

“Some suo motu notices have provided great relief and are most welcome, but at the same time it should also be remembered that it places immense powers in the hands of the judiciary.”

The senator said the greater the power in the hands of an individual or an institution, the greater is the need and responsibility to exercise it with abundant caution. “Any power that is not regulated by law or is exercised excessively can result in very serious consequences.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 15^th,  2015.