Govt prays SC to reject all pleas challenging judges’ transfer to IHC

The federal government on Wednesday requested the Supreme Court (SC) to throw out all petitions pertaining to the transfers of judges from other high courts to the Islamabad High Court (IHC), reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

In its reply submitted to the SC in the judges’ transfer case, the government argued that the judges had been transferred as per the constitution and they needed not to take a fresh oath. “Under article 200, a transfer does not mean an appointment,” it said, adding nowhere in the constitution was it written that the transfer of judges would be temporary.     

It claimed that the judges’ transfer would bring transparency to the judiciary rather than trampling upon its freedom.

It further said that the Judicial Commission appointed two judges in the IHC and left three seats vacant. “When it comes to the transfer of judges, the president’s powers are limited,” the government said, adding, “The real authority is that of the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP).” 

It went on to say that the judge and the concerned high court’s chief justice also have an authority. 

IHCBA withdraws its plea in judges’ transfer case

Also on Wednesday, the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) issued an authority letter to withdraw the constitutional petition it had filed in the Supreme Court in the judges' transfer case. 

The letter bears the signatures of IHCBA President Wajid Gilani and Secretary Manzoor Jajja.

Reporters: Amanat Gishkori and Ihtesham Kiani