Military Courts declared ‘legal’ by SC

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ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan has given the judgment in favour of military courts declaring 21st Amendment legal in Constitution and dismissed all pleas against 18th Constitutional Amendment.

A full court headed by Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk pronounced the verdict on Wednesday (today) which was reserved on June 26, 2015 after hearing arguments given by all parties in the case.

The judgment announced 10 days before retirement of outgoing CJP Nasirul Mulk on August 16, and dissenting notes are expected from 3-4 judges on this key case.

At least 11 Judges of 17 member bench given the judgment in favour of military courts while six opposed it.

On the other hand the bench also dismissed all the applications against 18th Amendment.

It is pertinent to mention here that, The case is about 21st Amendment, under which military courts have been set up and the law enforcement agencies have been given special powers to effectively fight against terrorism.

The second amendment in question is the 18th amendment which gives parliament a role in the appointment of judges of superior judiciary.