The Supreme Court has issued notices to the finance secretary, Attorney General, SBP governor, and the ECP over the non-provision of Rs21 billion for elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The apex court has instructed the officials concerned to appear in the judges' chamber on April 14, as per reports.
In its notice to the SC registrar on Wednesday, the court noted that the ECP report stated “no funds have at all been released and provided to it as required by the order of the court”.
“The failure of the federal government to comply with the order of the court as aforesaid is prima facie disobedience,” it said. “The consequences that can flow from such prima facie defiance of the court are well settled and known.
The apex court pointed out that "every person who embarks upon, encourages or instigates disobedience or defiance of the court can be held liable and accountable."
It further noted that the “disobedience” by the government would put the conduct of timely elections as mandated by the Constitution in “jeopardy”.
Read this too: Active Discussions To Postpone Elections For Two Years Underway: Kamran Yousaf
“The question of the provision of funds for such a vital constitutional purpose is something that requires immediate attention which takes priority over proceeding against those who may have committed contempt of the court,” the top court maintained.
On April 14, the court declared the ECP's decision regarding the postponement of Punjab and KP polls till October as null and void.
A three-member bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial and including Justices Ijaz Ul Ahsan and Munib Akhtar, had announced the decision.
In its ruling, the SC had deemed the decision to hold elections on Oct 8 “unconstitutional” and mandated that they take place on May 14 in Punjab.
The ruling had also stated that the Punjab government shall provide the ECP with a security plan.
The apex court has instructed the officials concerned to appear in the judges' chamber on April 14, as per reports.
In its notice to the SC registrar on Wednesday, the court noted that the ECP report stated “no funds have at all been released and provided to it as required by the order of the court”.
“The failure of the federal government to comply with the order of the court as aforesaid is prima facie disobedience,” it said. “The consequences that can flow from such prima facie defiance of the court are well settled and known.
The apex court pointed out that "every person who embarks upon, encourages or instigates disobedience or defiance of the court can be held liable and accountable."
It further noted that the “disobedience” by the government would put the conduct of timely elections as mandated by the Constitution in “jeopardy”.
Read this too: Active Discussions To Postpone Elections For Two Years Underway: Kamran Yousaf
“The question of the provision of funds for such a vital constitutional purpose is something that requires immediate attention which takes priority over proceeding against those who may have committed contempt of the court,” the top court maintained.
On April 14, the court declared the ECP's decision regarding the postponement of Punjab and KP polls till October as null and void.
A three-member bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial and including Justices Ijaz Ul Ahsan and Munib Akhtar, had announced the decision.
In its ruling, the SC had deemed the decision to hold elections on Oct 8 “unconstitutional” and mandated that they take place on May 14 in Punjab.
The ruling had also stated that the Punjab government shall provide the ECP with a security plan.