Prime Minister Gilani not to file appeal in Supreme Court

In order to avoid technicalities, Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has decided not to file appeal against the Supreme Court’s verdict in the contempt of court case.

According to the media reports, Prime Minister Gilani discussed the matter of challenging the apex court’s verdict at length with his close legal and political advisers and decided not to file the appeal.

A seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court on April 26 had convicted PM Gilani in contempt of court case against him for refusing to write a letter to Swiss authorities, asking them to re-open corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.

According to the detailed verdict, the premier was guilty of contempt and served a sentence only until the rising of the court. That happened about 30 seconds after the verdict was handed down.

Media reports informed that the risks of filing an appeal were brought before the premier’s advocate by the government in the form of concerns that the chief justice might allow those people to be party to the case who had already petitioned against the Gilani.

Advocate AK Dogar is one of such petitioner who asked the court to stop Yousaf Raza Gilani from holding the prime minister’s office as he was disqualified as per the court’s judgment.

The ruling of Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza was another among other concerns. The incumbent was of the opinion that the filing an appeal might go against the government.

The decision to not challenge the apex court’s conviction of the premier was taken on the basis of such reservations.

Earlier, National Assembly Speaker, Dr Fehmida Mirza had decided not to send the reference to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against the premier, saying there was no question of his disqualification as a member of the house.

The speaker in her five-page ruling observed that charges against Prime Minister Gilani were not relatable to the grounds mentioned in paragraph (g) or (h) of clause (1) of Article 63, therefore, no question of disqualification of Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani from being a member arises under clause (2) of Article 63 of the Constitution.

Additionally, she also expressed concerns over the procedure used by the Supreme Court’s Assistant Registrar in sending the short order and verdict to her.

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Posted by Faisal Farooq on May 26 2012. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.