Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Reserved seat parliamentarians selected, not elected: CJ

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard the petitions challenging the 18th Amendment.

A 17-judge full court heard petitions challenging certain clauses in the amendment.

The bench barraged Advocate Salman Raja with questions when he began arguing against the appointment of judges by judges.

During the hearing, Justice Tasadduq Hussain Jilani said the proposed procedure for judges' appointment diminishes the powers of the President, the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice.

Moreover, Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday remarked that the judiciary was separate and detached from the parliament and the executive as it has to play the role of watchdog for both the former organs of the state.

During the proceedings, Justice Saqib Nisar asked whether the Senate in the United States has the power to appoint judges. Regarding that, Justice Ramday said that the American constitution does not allow the country’s elected representatives a role in the appointment of judges.

Also, Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry said parliamentarians on reserved seats were not elected, but selected.

The hearing was later adjourned till Wednesday (September 29).

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