Islamabad-(Mudassar Iqbal)-PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui has expressed strong reservations about the Supreme Court’s recent decisions, particularly on reserved seats, questioning the judiciary’s interpretation of the constitution and its power to overturn legislation. In a press conference in Islamabad, Siddiqui argued that judges are not infallible and should be open to criticism, emphasizing that the PML-N respects the judiciary but won’t compromise on the constitution’s supremacy.
In a press conference in Islamabad, Siddiqui stated that laws are frequently struck down on the grounds of being unconstitutional, leading to a pattern of judicial overreach. He added that judges are not a ‘tribe of prophets’ who cannot be criticised.
Siddiqui highlighted the controversy surrounding the recent ruling on reserved seats, asserting that the decision contained numerous flaws and raised several questions. He emphasized that while respecting the judiciary, the PML-N will not compromise on the supremacy of the constitution.
He questioned the court’s authority, stating, “If the judiciary makes a decision against the constitution, who will correct it?” He further argued that the judiciary’s role is to uphold the constitution, not create it, and that the parliament, not the courts, is responsible for lawmaking.
The Senator criticized the handling of appeals related to the reserved seats ruling, noting that they have yet to be heard despite the passage of two months. He pointed out the inherent contradictions within the ruling, specifically citing violations of the Election Act.
He also highlighted the frequent use of the claim that laws are unconstitutional, questioning the possibility of judicial error and the process for rectifying such errors. He stated that the issue has become far more complicated than it was before the ruling, highlighting that even during four martial laws, the judiciary did not put up a challenge.
Siddiqui specifically criticized the court’s handling of the three-day deadline for party affiliation, pointing out that the same court allowed members to join the Sunni Ittehad Council, despite a five-year constitutional restriction on such movements. He questioned the court’s authority to override this constitutional provision, allowing members to join the PTI. He argued that this action represents an overreach of power.
Key Concerns Raised by Senator Siddiqui:
– Judicial Overreach: Laws frequently struck down as unconstitutional, leading to a pattern of judicial overreach.
– Constitutional Violations: Reserved seats ruling contradicts Election Act and constitutional provisions.
– Lack of Accountability: Judicial errors and process for rectifying them unclear.
– Overreach of Power: Court’s authority to override constitutional provisions questioned.
The Senator stressed the importance of upholding the constitution, arguing that the recent rulings have created more problems than they have solved.
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