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The Supreme Court in Islamabad has made a reserved decision in the election postponement case, ruling that elections in Punjab must be held on May 14th.
The court declared the Election Commission’s decision of March 22 null and void, stating that the Constitution prohibits the Election Commission from exceeding 90 days.
The court ordered the government to provide funds by April 10 and requested the caretaker government of Punjab, the Chief Secretary, and the IG to submit a complete plan for election security by the same date.
The Supreme Court in Islamabad has issued a reserved decision on the election postponement case, ruling that elections in Punjab must be held on May 14th and declaring the Election Commission’s decision on March 22nd null and void. The court has stated that the Constitution prohibits the Election Commission from exceeding 90 days.
The court also found that the Election Commission’s decision on March 22nd was illegal and restored the original Punjab elections schedule on April 30th with amendments. This decision will significantly impact the upcoming elections in the region.
The Supreme Court has delivered a reserved decision in the election postponement case. The court declared the Election Commission’s decision of March 22 null and void and ordered the elections to be held in Punjab on May 14, as the Constitution does not allow the Election Commission to exceed 90 days.
Additionally, the Supreme Court ordered the government to provide funds by April 10 and requested the caretaker government of Punjab, the Chief Secretary, and the IG to submit a complete plan for election security by the same date.
The federal government has also been instructed to release 21 billion rupees, and if they fail to support the Election Commission, the commission should inform the Supreme Court.
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The Supreme Court has released the election schedule, outlining the deadline for submitting nomination papers on April 10, the last date for filing appeals by April 17, the review of requests by April 18, and the final list of candidates on April 19. Election marks will be given to candidates on April 20.
The court has also ordered the Election Commission to submit a report on releasing funds by April 11. The report will be presented to the Chamber of Bench Members. If the funds are not removed, the court will issue an appropriate order based on the information.
The Punjab government has committed to fully cooperate in meeting its constitutional obligations.
The Supreme Court has made some critical decisions regarding the upcoming election in Punjab. In the first phase, funds were provided for the election, and the caretaker government, IG, and the Chief Secretary of Punjab were asked to ensure security provisions.
The federal government has been directed to provide all possible facilities for holding the election. Extra steps should be taken to ensure additional security in Punjab, and fair and transparent poll conduct is necessary.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court stated that other issues were also raised in the court, and two judges excused themselves from conducting court proceedings.
Justice Qazi Faiz Isa’s decision has no bearing on the bench’s decision. The matter of the election in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be seen separately. The court will issue a detailed decision later.
The Supreme Court has announced its decision on the election postponement case, which was previously reserved. The Chief Justice commented on the hearing, stating that people want judges they can rely on to make decisions.
During today’s hearing at the Supreme Court, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan and Special Assistants of Prime Minister Malik Ahmed Khan and Atta Tarar were present. Security measures were tightened inside and outside the court premises for this critical case, with Rangers and FC guarding Shahrah Dastur and Islamabad Police and FC personnel providing security for the Supreme Court.
The three judges of the bench, including the Chief Justice, Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan, and Justice Muneeb Akhtar, started the hearing after completing their routine proceedings and later went to their respective chambers.
After the election postponement case hearing, the Ministry of Defense submitted a report to the Chief Justice regarding the availability of security personnel.
Based on this report, the three judges wrote a decision regarding the election. To ensure maximum security, strict measures were taken inside and outside the Supreme Court during the hearing of the critical case.
Police, Rangers, and FC officials were deployed, and entry of unrelated persons was prohibited. Only civilians with relevant documents related to the case were allowed to enter after verification.
