A three-member bench led by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah heard Adil Bazai's appeal against the ECP's decision dated November 21. Bazai’s lawyer, Taimoor Aslam, argued that his client was disqualified under Article 63(A) without proper inquiry or being summoned by the ECP.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah questioned how the ECP could claim jurisdiction over a matter already pending before a civil court, asking whether the ECP can act on an issue under litigation. Justice Ayesha Malik highlighted that Bazai had signed two affidavits and claimed the second one was genuine, questioning whether the ECP could investigate allegations of fraud.
During the hearing, Taimoor Aslam referenced a previous decision about reserved seats. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, smiling, asked if the lawyer genuinely intended to rely on that verdict. Justice Ayesha Malik queried whether the reserved seats decision applied to the current case and if Bazai was part of the list of 81 members related to that ruling.
The court remarked that determining a candidate's party affiliation falls under civil court jurisdiction and not the ECP. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah emphasized the gravity of removing someone from the assembly, stressing that all aspects must be carefully reviewed.
The Supreme Court issued notices to the ECP and other parties for a hearing on December 12. It also released a written order summarizing today’s proceedings.
