Rawalpindi: Terming the November 3, 2007 action as 'martial law' imposed by former president Gen. (Retd) Musharraf in the country, deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry Monday expressed the confidence that the present parliament would not endorse the extra-constitutional steps.

The deposed chief justice was addressing a lawyers' convention here at Rawalpindi District Courts organised in connection with the Black Day observed across the country on completion of one year when former president Pervez Musharraf removed Iftikhar Mohammad Chauhdry along with some 60 other judges of the superior judiciary.

He noted there was a difference in the November 3 martial law and the previous martial laws, as no Assembly had endorsed the martial law enforced on November 3.

'I am confident that the present assembly will not endorse this martial law', said the deposed chief justice, adding that government, opposition, lawyers, politicians and other sections of society had now realised that supremacy of law and constitution is necessary for Pakistan.

He said it was very unfortunate that democratic governments could rule the country for 24 years only, adding that the judiciary was also responsible for backing dictatorships in the country.

He revealed that former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had conveyed to him Pervez Musharraf's anger on the verdict given in the Steel Mills case. Iftikhar Chaudhry said he had replied that verdicts would be given in accordance with the country's law and constitution only.

He said the media highlighted the verdict on Pakistan Steel Mills in a positive manner due to which the Supreme Court's credibility was restored. 'Whatever happened to me in the Army House is nothing new', he said.

Justice Chaudhry said the Supreme Court gave its verdict on July 20, 2007, after which the government's hopes attached to the top court faded away. 'I was conveyed through some friends that rulers wanted to restore good ties with me', he said, adding that 'I was also told that Musharraf wanted to meet me, but I turned down his request several times.'

He further said Musharraf made several attempts to meet him which continued from July 20 to November 3, 2007. During this period, he said, four important cases were admitted to the Supreme Court including the exiled leaders' return, the voters' lists case filed by former premier Benazir Bhutto, the president's case and the fourth case about his uniform.