Supreme Court Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar stated on Friday that the constitutional bench of the apex court retains the authority to take suo motu notice. This remark was made during the hearing of an anti-terrorism case, where the petitioner’s counsel argued that the 26th Amendment had removed the court’s power to initiate suo motu proceedings. Justice Mazhar clarified that although the procedural changes from the amendment were in place, the Supreme Court still had the authority to take suo motu action, with such cases now being heard by the constitutional bench.
Justice Mazhar emphasized that the constitutional bench could initiate suo motu proceedings if necessary. The bench also addressed other matters, including the right of judicial employees to appeal, noting that rule-making fell to the high courts. In a separate matter, the bench adjourned a case related to LPG price fixation, requiring lawyers to attend the next hearing in person. Several cases, including those related to banking appeals and the service structure of lady health workers, were either dismissed or consolidated for further proceedings.
