ISLAMABAD , June 26, 2023: The Supreme Court’s bench hearing petitions against trial of civilians in military courts on Monday dissolved again as Justice Mansoor Ali Shah recused himself from hearing the case after objections raised by the government over his inclusion in the seven-member larger bench.
The bench hearing the petitions is headed by Chief Justice Umar Atta Bandial. Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Mazahir Ali Naqvi and Justice Ayesha Malik are also part of the bench.
On the third hearing of the case on Monday, the federal government objected to inclusion of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah in the bench. The attorney general, taking the rostrum, said that one of the petitioners was a relative of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, so case his conduct might be affected.
The Chief Justice remarked that benches could not be made as per wishes of the government.
“On what basis you are objecting to the honourable judge of this court?, the CJP asked. The attorney general replied that he personally had no objection on the judge.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah remarked that on the very first day he had asked everyone that if anyone had any objection, he could let him know.
Meanwhile, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah recused himself from hearing the case.