Supreme Court Suspends Lahore High Court's Tribunal Decision

A recent development at the Supreme Court has put a hold on the Lahore High Court's decision and the Election Commission of Pakistan's notification regarding the establishment of eight tribunals in Punjab. This suspension, ordered by a larger bench of five judges, will remain in place until the Supreme Court reaches a final decision on the matter. The issue arose from a petition challenging the Lahore High Court's move to appoint tribunals for resolving election disputes.

The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, stressed the significance of meaningful consultation between the Chief Election Commissioner and the Lahore High Court Chief Justice in matters concerning election tribunals. The Lahore High Court had directed the ECP to notify additional election tribunals for Punjab, based on nominations from the LHC Chief Justice. However, this decision was contested by the ECP, leading to the current proceedings at the Supreme Court.

During the hearing, a disagreement between the Chief Justice and a lawyer representing PTI occurred, but was promptly overruled by Justice Isa. The Chief Justice emphasized the importance of respecting the judiciary and avoiding contemptuous behavior. Notably, the authority to form benches has now shifted to the SC's Practice and Procedure Committee, indicating a change in the decision-making process.

The ECP lawyer highlighted the need for nine judges in the tribunals and underscored the importance of a balanced consultation process. In its written order, the Supreme Court suspended the Lahore High Court's decision to establish election tribunals and called for a meaningful consultation between the LHC Chief Justice and the Chief Election Commissioner.

The recent developments at the Supreme Court regarding the suspension of the Lahore High Court's decision on election tribunals underscore the importance of proper consultation and respect for judicial processes. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on ensuring a fair and transparent mechanism for resolving election disputes in Punjab.