ISLAMABAD: The Constitutional Bench (CB) of the Supreme Court (SC) has permitted military courts to announce verdicts for 85 accused civilians but made their rulings conditional on the outcome of an on-going con-stitutional case.
The bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard intra-court appeals challenging the decisions of military courts. The bench also comprised Justices Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, Musarrat Hilali, and Shahid Bilal Hassan, media reported on Friday.
At the outset of the hearing, Justice Aminuddin Khan stated that only the military court case will be heard today.
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail raised a key question, asking, “Can amendments to the Army Act bring every individual under its purview?”
The hearing also touched upon the historical context of the Army Act, which predates Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar asked for clarity on the reasons cited in prior judicial rulings invalidating sections of the Act.
“Judicial integrity must be respected”: Justice Mandokhail
During arguments, Khawaja Haris, representing the Ministry of Defence, highlighted flaws in prior top court rulings.
Justice Mandokhail warned against undermining judicial authority, stating, “Do not demean judicial decisions to the extent of calling them flawed.”
Haris promptly apologised for his phrasing.
Justice Mazhar reiterated the need for detailed information on the May 9 incidents, which include the alleged ransacking of the Corps Commander’s house. –Agencies
