Gilani contempt case: Aitzaz wants new judges in larger bench

ISLAMABAD: Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, the counsel for Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said it is not appropriate for the judges who ordered to indict the PM to sit in the larger bench.

He was talking to the reporters after filing appeal against the Supreme Court's summon to PM Gilani to appear on February 13 in contempt of court case.

Aitzaz said he based the appeal on precedents set by top courts in Australia, Britain, France, India and the United States.

"I have filed an appeal today. I have quoted more than 50 national and international cases and given specific reasons against the Supreme Court order," Ahsan told reporters.

"My objection is that the court in its order on February 2 cited no specific reasons for initiating contempt of court proceedings against the prime minister," he said.

He said there are reasons not to indict the prime minister.

"The president enjoyed immunity and the Swiss authorities have also closed the case. I should not comment further on this issue," Aitzaz said.

The counsel called for an early hearing of the appeal. "It depends on the court to stay the proceedings and decide against summoning the prime minister on February 13," he said.

Replying to a question, he said he would appear even if the Chief Justice is included in the larger bench. 'I have not appeared before him for the last four years.'

In order to hear the appeal, the SC will need to constitute a larger bench of nine judges -- not the seven who ordered him to appear.