Federal govt to challenge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah's decision on full court formation
Pakistan
Attorney General Mansoor Awan informed the court of the federal government’s stance
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The federal government has decided to challenge the Supreme Court’s senior judge, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s, order regarding the formation of a full court in the contempt of court case against Additional Registrar (Judicial) Nazar Abbas.
During the hearing of the Customs Regulatory Duty case before the constitutional bench, Attorney General Mansoor Awan informed the court about the federal government’s stance.
The Attorney General argued that Justice Mansoor Ali Shah exercised suo motu powers in his decision, which he was not authorised to use.
He added that the federal government considered the decision unconstitutional and would appeal against the contempt of court ruling. The government also planned to file a review petition on Justice Shah’s Jan 13 and 16 decisions.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar raised concerns about whether the case could proceed while Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s order to list the Customs Duty case before his bench remained in effect.
Justice Jamal Mandokhail emphasised that the judiciary’s independence was a collective concern, stating, “The judiciary will endure, and we must safeguard our institution.”
Meanwhile, Justice Ayesha Malik issued written reasons for her recusal from hearing the Customs Regulatory Duty case. She stressed the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between judicial and administrative orders, ensuring the sanctity and adherence to judicial directives.
