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Freedom of Judiciary a key element of constitution: CJ
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has decided to give an opportunity to Senator Raza Rabbani to submit detail reply of questions raised about consultation process in judges’ appointment.Justice Javed Iqbal said the procedure of judges appointment was not free of faults even in the past.
The Supreme Court was hearing petitions challenging the 18th Amendment on Tuesday, Geo News reported.
A 17-judge full court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry was hearing the challenges against certain clauses in the amendment.
Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday in his remarks said persons accused in murder were made judges in the past and century old tradition of consultation has been eliminated in the new process of judges’ appointment. It also limited the role of chief justice, he added.
The Supreme Court Bar Association's counsel Hamid Khan continued his arguments on Tuesday. He said 18th amendment has ended process of consultation whereas in PCO judges case, Supreme Court made consultation with chief justice mandatory.
Justice Shakirullah Jan said in old procedure, administration had begun the process of judges appointment and this was the reason of consultation but in new process, judiciary will appoint the judges.
Chief Justice in his remarks said consultations were made with prime minister and chief minister in July 31 verdict to strengthen parliamentary system. The scrutiny of judges conduct was carried out by administration and system will be collapsed if everyone eliminated from the process.
Hamid Khan has completed his argument in today’s hearing. The court has ordered attorney general to prepare a questionnaire and send it to Senatro Raza Rabbani and said a date will be fix to hear Raza Rabbani.
Chief Justice said the purpose of hearing is to save thing and interpretation of constitution is the duty of court. Freedom of judiciary is a key element of constitutional structure, he added. Later the hearing was adjourned till tomorrow.
Courtesy www.Geo.tv