SC overturns Punjab election tribunal appointments by LHC

The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday overturned the Lahore High Court (LHC)’s ruling from June 12, 2024, regarding the Punjab election tribunals.

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa acknowledged the ECP’s appeal of the Punjab Election Tribunal’s decision from the LHC.

As indicated by the court’s decision, reasonability should be utilized when protected organizations vary. The court concluded that the decision of the Lahore High Court couldn’t be trailed by some other court.

Judges Aqeel Abbasi and Jamal Khan Mandokhail agreed, yet pursued extra perceptions to the greater part of the High Court’s greater seat.

The ECP is only authorized to designate the Election Tribunals for the purpose of hearing election petitions under this Act by virtue of the Constitution’s reserved decision. Section 140 of the Elections Act, 2017—quoted in the decision—read, “The Commission shall appoint as many Election Tribunals as may be necessary for swift disposal of election petitions.”

On September 24, the Supreme Court (SC) heard arguments related to the electoral watchdog’s appeal over the establishment of election tribunals in Punjab.

Additionally, on June 12, the Registrar High Court’s notification of the judges’ appointments to the tribunal was revoked by the Supreme Court.