Supreme Judicial Council's meeting postponed til April 3

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Islamabad, Mar 20 (UNI) In a sudden move, the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) hearing presidential reference against suspended Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, adjourned its tomorrow's meeting till April 3.

"The SJC has adjourned hearing of application filed by Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry in reference against him until April 3," said a statement issued by the council here today.

However, one of the counsels of Justice Chaudhry denied here that his client ever filed any application with the council.

"Justice Chaudhry did not file any application and the press release issued by the council today is misleading," Munir A Malik told reporters.

He said the top judge had objected to composition of the council and presence of two judges in the panel and wanted an open trial.

He did not, however, disclose the identity and nature of Chaudhry's objections on the two judges.

He said the adjournment was aimed at sabotaging struggle of the lawyers community, who will completely boycott courts tomorrow.

The adjounrment came in the backdrop of fresh countrywide protest call, given for tomorrow by the Islamic opposition alliance, Mutahida Majlis-e-Amal(MMA).

Justice Chaudhry was scheduled to appear before the council for the third time tomorrow to face presidential charges of misuse of authority and misconduct.

Malik also said it would be unconstitutional if Justice Rana Bhagwandas assumes office of the acting Chief Justice.

Local media reports said that Bhagwandas, who was away to India is returning home tomorrow to take oath of the acting Chief Jurist. However, none of the government officials were willing to confirm the reports.

While sending the reference against Justice Chaudhry on March 9, President Musharraf had appointed the senior most available judge Javed Iqbal as the acting chief jusitce.

UNI

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