It's incorrect to say that civilians can never be tried in military courts: CJP

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial on Friday remarked that it is incorrect to say that civilians can never be tried in military courts.

Hearing the petitions against the trial of civilians involved in the May 9 incidents in military courts, he remarked that a soldier can be tried in a military court for instigating others to rebellion.

He observed that it will have to be seen on which grounds the ATC judge transferred the cases to military courts. The counsel for the former chief justice Jawad S Khawaja requested the chief justice to form a full court for the case.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah remarked that a person can only be tried under the Army Act or the Official Secret Act if the matter pertains to the national security. "When did the civilians violate the Army Act or the Official Secret Act?" he questioned.

Justice Yahya Afridi asked that where are the Army Act sections in the Code of Criminal Procedure? "Don't teach us the section 13 of the Official Secret Act?"

The counsels for the petitioners have completed their arguments. During the hearing, the attorney general presented the list of the arrested people. According to the list, 102 people are in the custody of the Army. No woman, teenage, journalist and lawyer is in the custody of the Army.

Later, the court adjourned the hearing till Monday.