Alleged misuse of powers: SC adjourns hearing into plea against ex-LHC CJ

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday adjourned for three week, hearing into plea against the alleged misuse of administrative powers by former Chief Justice of Lahore High Court (LHC), Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti.

A five-member constitutional bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin, heard the petition filed by Advocate Mian Dawood.

During the course of hearing, Additional Advocate General Punjab Baleegh-uz-Zaman informed the court that the LHC has submitted its response.

The petitioner Mian Dawood Advocate told the court that it’s unfortunate that an institution like Lahore High Court is also defending misuse of powers.

Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail remarked that this will continue until rules are formed for High Court employees.

The petitioner claimed that Lahore High Court admitted that millions were distributed among certain employees on the basis of favoritism.

Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi noted that as per LHC’s reply, one person received three notifications in a single day.

The judge further noted that Lahore High Court did not deny the allegations in its response.

“In fact, it appears they’ve accepted the petitioner’s allegations,” Justice Rizvi added.

Justice Mandokhail observed that they must learn to digest powers responsibly.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar noted that evidence presented in the petition is solely related to Lahore High Court and suggested the petitioner to restrict the petition to LHC only.

The bench directed the petitioner to amend the petition accordingly and held that it will review the case on the next date of hearing.

Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan inquired as to who is representing the Lahore High Court to which Additional Advocate General Punjab told the court that LHC has not appointed a separate lawyer and he has been directed to assist in the matter.

Justice Shahid Hassan Bilal however, observed that LHC must appoint a separate counsel for its defense. Meanwhile, the court adjourned further hearing for three weeks.