LHC adjourns case hearing against alleged illegal appointment of CEC until May 15
Pakistan
Petition seeks to declare the appointment illegal
- The petitioner alleged that Raja appointed to the top post without due process
- Court stated petition should be filed in Islamabad
LAHORE (Dunya News) - The Lahore High Court (LHC) heard a petition challenging the purported illegal appointment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja today.
Filed by Advocate Talib Makeen, the petition alleged that Raja's appointment to the top electoral post was conducted without due process. Chief Justice Malik Shehzad Ahmed Khan of the LHC presided over the hearing.
The petition contended that Raja's appointment lacked transparency, as it was purportedly made without public advertisement and was influenced by political considerations.
The petition asserted that appointing a retired officer to such a crucial position within a constitutional institution constitutes a violation of law and undermined justice for both the state and its citizens.
In light of these allegations, the plea requested a declaration from the court regarding the illegality and unconstitutionality of Sikandar Sultan Raja's appointment as CEC.
The court inquired the petitioner about the proof of Supreme Court's verdict about petition filing against election commissioner. In response, petitioner provided references and evidence of SC's judgments.
Chief Justice (CJ) noted a contradiction in the petitioner's statements and SC's verdict presented during the hearing highlighting potential inconsistencies.
Amidst the proceedings, LHC CJ emphasized the court's obligation to adjudicate in accordance with the law, asserting that any technocrat or judge could be appointed Chief Election Commissioner as per the constitution.
However, the court also expressed dissatisfaction with the preparation of the petitioner, remarking that such high-profile cases should be meticulously prepared and filed in the appropriate jurisdiction, namely Islamabad, rather than in the LHC.
CJ remarked that inadequate case preparations not only waste the court's time but also that of the public and other cases in the judicial system.
Consequently, the court adjourned the hearing of the case until May 15th, deemed proceedable by the court.
