The Supreme Court Judge Ayesha Malik has rejected himself from hearing a constitutional case on the legality of section 221-A in the Customs Act, which raises questions about its future considerations.
During the consultation, the eight-man constitutional bench, led by Judge Aminuddin Khan, met together to treat appeals regarding the constitutional validity of the Customs Act’s provision, reported Express News.
Judge Malik, however, withdrew and said, “I can’t hear this case. I will give separate reasons for my refusal.”
Attorney General requested a week’s postponement, while Barrister Salahuddin highlighted ongoing controversy, including a prior order related to powers under the law.
He also called for an accelerated consultation for the related Dewan Motor’s case.
Judge Aminuddin Khan assured that the court would take up the case immediately and said, “We will hear this case tomorrow.”
Judge Muhammad Ali Mazhar added further: “You can give your reasons, Judge Malik.”
The case is about section 221-A in the Customs Act, a disputed provision that is under control of its constitutional status.
The court’s decision in the case can have significant consequences for customs and administrative practice in Pakistan.
Justice Malik’s rejection adds another layer of complexity to the case, and her reasons for stepping aside have not yet been revealed. The consultation is set to resume with a reconfigured bench in the coming days.
In addition, a Department Court in the Supreme Court today will reveal its judgment in a contempt case initiated against an additional secretary of justice in court to withdraw a case from the court.
The bench consisting of Judge Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Judge Aqeel Abbasi had reserved the verdict in the case on January 23. It will reveal its order at. 9:30 pm.
Interestingly, a six-members SC bench will decide on the supplementary justice secretary (judicial) Nazar ABBAS’s internal appeal of the case on the case issued by Justice Shah led bench also today (Monday).
