ISLAMABAD: After the nomination of seven judges for the constitutional benches, all eyes are now on the three-judge committee headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, which will appoint constitutional matters for hearing in the next two months. The other two members of the committee include Justice Jamal Khan Mandukhel and Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar.
Justice Aminuddin Khan is considered to be the most important judge in the Supreme Court as he, as the head of the committee, will shortlist the constitutional cases whose results may affect the country’s politics.
Justice Aminuddin Khan was heading the larger bench in the case against the trial of civilians in military courts, while Justices Jamal Khan Mandukhel and Muhammad Ali Mazhar were also part of this larger bench. The matter is still pending in the Supreme Court.
It will be interesting whether the Committee will consider prescribing petitions against the 26th Constitutional Amendment while the Constitution Benches are also a creation of this Constitutional Amendment. The question may arise whether the Constitution Bench can hear these petitions. It is also learned that Akhtar Mengal, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Fahmida Mirza and Mohsin Dawar have decided to challenge the 21st constitutional amendment.
On the other hand, lawyers are criticizing Chief Justice Yahya Afridi for not appointing the petitions against the constitutional amendment on November 4. Now all eyes are on the seven judges to see how they will restore the image of the judiciary.
Another important matter is the appeals against the July 12 order in the case of reserved seats. The Election Commission has not yet implemented this order. A law officer believes that 13 judges will be required to hear the petitions.
It is likely that the Supreme Court may start proceedings regarding the implementation of the judgment in the near future. Three of the seven nominated judges are slated to sign the July 12 majority order.
