Nine-member bench to hear PM Gilani’s contempt appeal: Chief Justice

SIBI: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said Tuesday that if the government filed an appeal against the Supreme Court’s judgment in Prime Minister Gilani’s contempt of court case a nine member bench would hear it. An additional and two ad-hoc judges would be included in the bench.

Addressing lawyers of the Sibi Bar, Chief Justice Chaudhry said that a seven member bench of the Supreme Court had given its verdict in the contempt of court case against Prime Minister Gilani. “If there is an appeal by the government then a nine member bench will hear it.”

Chief Justice Chaudhry further said that the apex court was taking an additional and two ad-hoc judges because the situation had been created that a seven member bench had given its verdict and now a nine member bench had to hear its appeal.

“Three of the nine existing members cannot hear the case due to some reasons. If the appeal comes to us then there are six remaining judges.”

Elaborating on the issue, Chief Justice Chaudhry said article 181 and 182 of the constitution contained provisions to meet this situation.
Chief Justice Chaudhry asked lawyers to cooperate with the judiciary to ensure that justice prevailed.