Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. – File Photo

ISLAMABAD: Reiterating his stand on presidential immunity, Aitzaz Ahsan said that although many people dislike President Asif Ali Zardari, he is still an elected leader and hence cannot be presented before any court of law.

The Supreme Court on Thursday resumed hearing of the contempt of court case against Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

The seven-member larger bench including Justice Nasirul Mulk, Justice Asif Khosa, Justice Sarmad Jalal Usmani, Justice Ajaz Afzal Khan, Justice Ajaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Justice Gulzar Ahmad and Justice Athar Syed was hearing the case.

Ahsan, the prime minister’s counsel, argued that under the Article 10A of the constitution the sitting bench was not eligible to hear the case.

He said transparent proceedings required that no person can be judge in his own case. In reply, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said that no single person but the whole bench was using its right to hear the case.

Justice Khosa said that all proceedings regarding contempt of court cases were only completed by the court.

Talking to the media outside the Supreme Court building, Ahsan said that after imposition of Article 10A, the century old law regarding contempt of court has been changed.

The case is not related to corruption and his arguments were very simple, he added. The court has adjourned the hearing till April 13 and Ahsan is expected to conclude his arguments till Wednesday.

Opinion

Editorial

Constitutional courts
Updated 31 May, 2023

Constitutional courts

While the idea may not be without its merits, the establishment of a constitutional court cannot be done without national consensus.
Hunger pangs
31 May, 2023

Hunger pangs

A RECENTLY released report by two UN agencies should serve as a wake-up call to the ruling elite — that is, if ...
No-Tobacco Day
31 May, 2023

No-Tobacco Day

DESPITE successive governments’ efforts, tobacco use continues to remain a significant public health challenge for...
Judicial quarrels
Updated 30 May, 2023

Judicial quarrels

Those at the very top of the judiciary must realise that their space and power are being encroached upon while they quarrel.
Erdogan’s victory
30 May, 2023

Erdogan’s victory

THOUGH he managed to win the presidential run-off by a whisker, Recep Tayyip Erdogan will stay in Turkiye’s ...
Trees in the shade?
30 May, 2023

Trees in the shade?

FOR years, successive tree plantation policies have come up short. Nevertheless, the latest effort to go green comes...