LAHORE, March 1: The Lahore High Court on Thursday dismissed an objection petition of PPP leader Babar Awan challenging appointment of three out of four amici curiae (friends of court) in a plea challenging his candidature for Senate election.

Awan had pleaded that the three amici curiae -- AK Dogar, Salman Akram Raja, and Salman Mansoor -- were not impartial persons. He had not objected to the nomination of Advocate Khwaja Haris Ahmad as amicus curiae.

Justice Umar Ata Bandial, however, rejected the argument and remarked that the court having lawful authority appointed independent persons. The court could appoint any person for its assistance in any case, he added.

After dismissing Awan’s petition, Justice Bandial asked the amici curiae to advance their arguments on the maintainability of the petition against the PPP leader.

Khwaja Haris presented his arguments first and said the petitioner who challenged the candidature of Babar Awan was not an aggrieved person as he was neither his rival candidate nor a proposer or seconder in the Senate election. He said the petition was not maintainable.

Salman Raja in his arguments said the court should not interfere in election process. However, he said, every common man like the petitioner had the right to challenge any illegality in the country and if they were denied the right the corrupt politicians by unlawful unison of interest will keep on usurping power and the door of justice for masses will be closed forever.

The arguments of Mr Raja were in progress, when the court adjourned hearing till Friday (today).

Advocate Shahid Jami had challenged the acceptance of Awan nomination papers for Senate election. He contented Awan was not eligible for the office of senator because he had concealed his assets from the election commission and exposed to disqualification.