Pakistan’s Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial said on Sunday that the Supreme Court judges were duty-bound to follow the Constitution and must not “blink” their eyes while enforcing its provision of holding polls within 90 days of an assembly’s dissolution.
Speaking at a conference on minority rights in Lahore, the chief justice said he was optimistic that the country’s leaders, institutions and people were all committed to the Constitution.
“When it comes to constitutional enforcement we must not blink our eyes. If it says 90 days for holding elections, it is our duty to say that and not our choice, instead of finding a reason why we should avoid saying that,” he said.
His statement came as the May 14 deadline set by the apex court for holding elections in the Punjab province was approaching fast even as the country’s Election Commission and the government have shown inability to organise the polls.
It is feared that the court may hold the government or some individual responsible for contempt for violating the orders, leading to disqualification of the person(s) held responsible.The chief justice rejected that the apex court verdict of April 4 to hold elections was controversial
“You must support the Supreme Court if you stand up for the law and the Constitution and not [for] any individual,” he said.He said when the Supreme Court speaks on merit, then its judgement has moral authority.