Five-member larger bench of SC to give verdict on review plea regarding dismissal of employees today

ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (SABAH): Five-member larger bench of the apex court headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Qazi Muhammad Amin Ahmed and Justice Aminuddin Khan has reserved its decision on the review plea regarding dismissal of 16,000 government employees which will now be announced today (Friday).

During the hearing, Justice Umar Ata Bandial remarked that advertisements, tests and merit for appointments in government departments are necessary for transparency. Attorney General for Pakistan Barrister Khalid Jawed Khan argued that the 2010 law should be read as a law withdrawing dismissals so this way the law can be maintained and the employees will be restored to the level of 1997.

Justice Umar Ata Bandial further remarked that the nature of the present case has changed so now this case will not be reviewed but re-heard.

The attorney general replied that it was not clear whether the recruitments were legal or not therefore approval of review is requested.

Justice Sajjad Ali Shah while commenting on the case said to the attorney general that he is talking on assumptions and only the concerned agencies can tell the real situation in this regard.

On which Justice Umar Ata Bandial remarked that government proposals would be considered in this matter so that people are not deprived of their basic rights and decision will be taken in the interest of constitution, law and people.

We believe that the court’s decision has affected a large number of people therfore we will ensure that no thief can enter the government service through backdoors, Justice Bandial added.

After hearing, the apex court reserved judgment in the case which will be announced today (Friday) at 11:30 AM.