No lawmaker can be stopped from casting vote, Article 63A has complete system of disqualification: CJP

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - Chief Justice Umar Atta Bandial remarked that no lawmaker can be stopped from casting the vote and the Article 63A has a complete system of disqualification.

He was presiding over the five-member bench hearing the presidential reference on Thursday, The CJP observed that the real question now pertains to the disqualification period. "It will be an insult to the vote if it is not counted after being cast. The person jumping from one boat to another has to lose his seat," he remarked.

Justice Muneeb Akhtar observed that the Article 63A was inducted into the constitution to stop dissent from the party policy.

Attorney General Khalid Javed Khan said that disqualification method is clear in the constitution. When he referred to the old verdict, the court ruled that a lot has been done since 1992. "Political parties if they do not abide by the party line."

He also mentioned the proposed sit-in on Kashmir Highway. JUI's Kamran Murtaza assured the court of peaceful sit-in. The court remarked that the government is afraid of the JUI.

Justice Jamal Madokhel remarked that the democratic system would collapse if the vote is not given to the party. "Vote is the right of the lawmaker, not the political party. At this, Attorney General Khalid Javed Khan remarked that a lawmaker can resign if he not being heard in the party. "After resigning, he can again go to the public. They are boarding another boat after sinking the first one," he contended.

Justice Ejazul Hassan remarked that it will open the Pandora's box for the government. "If the Pandora's box opens, then the musical chair will be triggered. If all want to do of their own, then the political party will not be an institution but a mob. Institutions destroy by making individuals powerful," he observed.