Judicial Commission of Pakistan rejects CJP Bandial’s nominees for Supreme Court

Islamabad: The Judicial Commission of Pakistan by majority of 5 against 4 has rejected Chief Justice Umer Atta Bandial’s five nominees for elevation to the Supreme Court.

According to senior court reporter Abdul Qayyum Siddiqui, an angry Bandial wrapped up the meeting without any decision.

Another court reporter said it rarely happens when nominations of the chief justice are rejected.

The chief justice has been facing criticism for trying to promote junior judges of the high courts to the apex court.

Justice Qazi Faez Isa, who recently wrote a letter to the CJP against holding of the commission’s meeting during his absence, attended the proceedings via video link.

The Supreme Court is currently receiving backlash for rejecting the government’s demand to form a full bench to decide the outcome of Punjab chief minister’s election.

Bar Councils, senior lawyers and human rights organizations have demanded the CJP should promote Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Athar Minhallah and other senior judges from high courts to the apex court.