Constitution gives judiciary right to review legislation: CJP
'Parliament is supreme but there is another thing above parliament, which is named as constitution', the chief justice says
February 20, 2018
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar Tuesday remarked that the constitution gives judiciary the right to review legislation made by the parliament.
The remarks by the chief justice were made during hearing of media commission case by a three-member bench of the apex court.
Justice Nisar said that he is again stating today, before media representatives, that the parliament is supreme, adding, "We have been told that we are interfering."
"Parliament is supreme but there is another thing above the parliament, which is named constitution," he said. "Our limits have been defined by the constitution.
"The constitution gives the right to review legislation made in the parliament," Justice Nisar said.
He noted that the legislature does not have any authority in contrast with the constitution and that it cannot make any legislation in violation of basic rights.
In his conversation with senior anchorperson with Geo News Hamid Mir, Justice Nisar said they had immense respect for the leadership.
"We have been questioning in order to understand that what would happen if such a person becomes a party leader," he said. "We raise questions in order to understand and do not target anyone."
The chief justice said their mutual conversation or remarks were being misinterpreted.
At this, Mir urged Justice Nisar not to heed on such things.
To which, the chief justice replied that they are not at all considering such things, adding, "We are not weak, nor are we giving explanation.
"We will definitely not cower down and make full use of power given by the Almighty, in good faith," he said.
