Decision on Musharraf's candidacy likely by Nov 1

Islamabad, Oct 27 (UNI) The decision on petitions challenging the legality of Gen Pervez Musharraf's re-election as President for another term is likely to be announced by November 1.

Answering questions after addressing the inaugural session of a workshop, Justice Javed Iqbal, head of the 11-member bench of the Supreme Court which is hearing the petitions, said the decision would be in accordance with the constitution of the country.

About the independence of the judiciary, he said, ''The judiciary was independent, is independent and will remain independent. We as judges are only answerable to Allah Almighty and after that before their conscience, rather than before a particular group of people.

''Decisions can not be made according to the whims of a particular group of people because judiciary has to make decisions in accordance with the constitution and law.'' During the hearing of the petition on Thursday, Justice Iqbal declared that the judgement would be pronounced in accordance with the law.

UNI