LHC Challenges 27th Constitutional Amendment Over Supreme Court Powers
A citizen has challenged the 27th constitutional amendment in the Lahore High Court (LHC). Hassan Latif filed the petition on Tuesday through Advocate Maqsit Saleem. The plea asks the court to declare the amendment unconstitutional and void.
The petition lists the Prime Minister, the National Assembly Speaker, and the Ministry of Law as respondents. Latif claims the amendment transfers all powers of the Supreme Court to a proposed Federal Constitutional Court. It also grants lifelong immunity to the Chief of Defence Staff. The petitioner argues that these changes undermine the Constitution’s spirit and weaken the separation of powers.
Petitioners’ Arguments
The petition stresses that the amendment violates fundamental principles of democracy. It reduces the judiciary’s authority and interferes with checks and balances. Latif urges the court to strike down the amendment. He claims that it threatens judicial independence and allows unchecked authority for the military. Legal experts note that the amendment could change Pakistan’s judicial system significantly if approved.
Next Steps and Implications
The LHC will review the petition and decide whether to hear the case. A ruling in favor of the petitioner could stop the amendment’s implementation. Lawyers say the case may set an important precedent for constitutional law in Pakistan. Officials from the government have yet to respond publicly. Citizens and legal observers are closely watching developments.
This case highlights tensions between the executive, legislature, and judiciary. It also raises questions about civil-military relations in the country. The court’s decision will have wide-reaching consequences for governance and the rule of law.
