Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) MNA Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry introduced a bill proposing an increase in the number of Supreme Court judges arguing a backlog of over 54,000 cases in the Supreme Court.
National Assembly speaker Ayaz Sadiq referred the bill for further consultations to the NA standing committee. Ayaz Sadiq postponed the debate on the bill after a heated discussion in the assembly and emphasized the need for careful consideration of all proposals related to judicial reforms.
Opposition leader and PTI chairman Barrister Gohar rejected the bill and argued that such a bill should be introduced by the government, not as a private bill.
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar acknowledged the need for judicial reforms but clarified that the government had not yet decided on increasing the number of judges. He also noted that the issue of extended vacations for judges, which originated in the Senate, is under consideration.
The National Assembly session has been adjourned till Wednesday 11 am.
Noor Alam Khan introduces bills
Noor Alam Khan proposed a bill that public cases in the Supreme Court be heard by a bench comprising at least nine judges, ensuring a more comprehensive review of matters of public importance.
The bill allows the affected party to file an appeal against the Supreme Court's decision within 30 days. Additionally, it mandates that the appeal be heard by a bench larger than the one that issued the original decision.
The amendment seeks to regulate the powers granted under Article 184/3 of the Constitution, which allows the Supreme Court to take suo motu notice of matters of public importance. The bill aims to prevent the misuse of this authority by requiring larger benches for such decisions.
MNA Sohail Sultan presented the bill, which was also referred to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice.
The National Assembly witnessed the introduction of a significant constitutional amendment bill concerning the judiciary's suo motu authority. The bill was presented by Noor Alam Khan, a member of the assembly, and was promptly referred to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice for further deliberation.
During the session, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar referenced the 2023 Practice and Procedure Law enacted by the House, highlighting that the Supreme Court had affirmed Parliament's authority in such matters. He also cautioned against overcomplicating the Constitution by writing everything into it.
Opposition to Contempt of Court Repeal Bill
Barrister Gauhar raised objections to the proposed repeal of the contempt of court law, arguing that amending the law rather than abolishing it would be more appropriate. He also expressed concerns that sending the matter to a committee would result in unnecessary delays.
Overseas Pakistanis' representation
Noor Alam Khan presented a constitutional amendment bill aimed at allotting special seats for Overseas Pakistanis in Parliament and Provincial Assemblies. This bill was similarly sent to the standing committee for further consideration.
