Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa has said that courts are standing with every political party regarding the elections.

On Wednesday, a three-member bench, headed by CJP Isa and comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarrat Hilali, heard the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) petition regarding the level playing field in elections.

The Supreme Court later adjourned the hearing in the case till January 8.

At the outset of the hearing, the PTI’s lawyers submitted additional documents to the Supreme Court stating that the nomination papers of 668 key PTI leaders, as well as around 2,000 proposers and seconders have been rejected.

According to the additional documents, 56 cases of snatching of nomination papers of PTI leaders took place, while proposers and seconders were also arrested, and it was decided to place video evidence in this regard in the Supreme Court.

During the hearing of the case, CJP Isa expressed indignation at the prefix of Sardar along with the name of PTI lawyer Latif Khosa. He remarked that the Sardar-Nawab system ceases to exist now and would not be tolerated in court.

The chief justice told Latif Khosa that his government of the PPP legislated on abolishing the chieftaincy system, while now his sons had also become sardars. At this, Khosa replied that it was written by the stenographer and wouldn’t happen again.

Khosa’s arguments

Latif Khosa, opening his arguments, took the stance that a level playing field was necessary for healthy competition. At this, Justice Muhammad Ali Mahzar remarked that this is a case of contempt of court, not a new petition. He then asked about the contempt committed by the ECP.

The CJP then asked what the link was between the inspector general of police and chief secretaries, and the election commission.

Latif Khosa told the court that their candidates were obstructed, on which the CJP inquired about the evidence.

The chief justice also remarked that if the lawyer wanted action against people individually, he must file a separate application. If someone's nomination papers have been rejected, they should file an appeal, to which Latif Khosa said they had not been given copies of the orders of the returning officer for three days.

Justice Mazhar asked how many of candidates' nomination papers have been approved.

Khosa said they had not received the copies of RO’s orders, and could not file appeals against them.

‘You want us to do the work of ECP’

The CJP remarked that the lawyer wanted the court to do the job of the election commission. If they did not get a copy of the RO’s decision, they should apply to the tribunal without a copy. “How can we ask for the papers of one party to be accepted or rejected?” the CJP questioned.

CJP Isa remarked that the courts are standing behind every political party for the elections.