Defection not a small thing, it’s a matter of man’s conscience: CJP

Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial has remarked that defection is not a small thing rather it’s a matter of one’s conscience, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

A three-judge bench of Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan was hearing a petition filed by PTI dissident ex-members of Punjab Assembly against the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision regarding their de-notification. 

At the outset of the hearing, the lawyer of the dissident members argued that the PTI did not give any instructions regarding the election of Punjab chief minister. He further told the court that the PTI candidate Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi had boycotted the assembly session called for the election of Punjab chief minister.

CJP Bandial remarked that defection was not a small thing. It’s a matter of man’s conscience, he said adding that the apex court had already declared defection as a cancer while giving its judgement on the presidential reference which sought interpretation of Article 63-A. 

Justice Mazhar Ali remarked why did the dissidents cast their vote in favour of PML-N candidate despite the fact that they belonged to the PTI.

Chief Justice Bandial asked why did the dissident members participate in the assembly session which was boycotted by their party. 

The court directed the dissident members’ lawyer to come to court with more preparation on the point as why the PTI’s rebel MPAs cast their votes in favour of PML-N candidate against their party direction.

With this, the court adjourned the case till indefinite time.

Reporter Amanat Gishkori