In Islamabad, the Supreme Court’s 6-member larger bench experienced a dissolution during the proceedings on a case pertaining to the trial of civilians in military courts.
Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, who was leading the bench on intra-court appeals challenging the decision deeming military courts unconstitutional, recused himself. At the commencement of the hearing, Justice Sardar Tariq Masood announced a focus on addressing objections raised against the bench.
During the session, Jawad S. Khawaja’s attorney objected to the composition of the bench, suggesting the matter be referred to the Judges Committee for a reconstitution of the bench. Hamid Khan, representing the Lahore Bar, attempted to present arguments in the case, prompting Justice Sardar Tariq Masood to express that if the bench had no intention to hear the case, arguments should not be entertained.
The court decided to defer the issue to the Practice and Procedure Committee for the formation of a new bench. Emphasizing that military courts could continue the trial of civilians, the court directed the Practice and Procedure Committee to constitute a larger bench for further proceedings.
