ISLAMABAD, March 17: A special bench of the Supreme Court on Monday will take up eight constitutional petitions questioning the elevation of three judges from Lahore High Court to Supreme Court.

Advocate Abdul Hafeez Pirzada will appear for the government to defend the appointments made in violation of the principle of seniority.

Attorney Makhdoom Ali Khan and Advocate-General Maqbool Ellahi Malik will appear on court notice.

Contrary to the demands of bar leaders, the Supreme Court bench will be headed by Chief Justice Sheikh Riaz Ahmad. Other members of the bench will be Justice Qazi Mohammad Farooq, Justice Mian Ajmal, Justice Deedar Hussain Shah and Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar.