Judges Are Not ‘Tribe Of Prophets’: Irfan Siddiqui

Web Desk — Questioning the recent Supreme Court rulings, particularly regarding the reserved seats, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui says judges are not a ‘tribe of prophets’ who are above criticism.

In a press conference in Islamabad, Siddiqui expressed serious concerns regarding the judiciary’s interpretation of the constitution and its power to overturn legislation.

The PML-N senator said that the judiciary often strikes down laws for being ‘unconstitutional’, a pattern of judicial overreach. Regarding the reserved seat judgment, Siddiqui claimed the verdict had many flaws. The senator vowed that the PML-N respects the judiciary but it will not compromise on the supremacy of the constitution.

Siddiqui asked who would correct if the judiciary made an unconstitutional decision. The senator made it clear that the parliament, not the judiciary, is the custodian of the constitution, adding that the court’s role is to uphold the constitution not to create it.

The PML-N stalwart questioned that despite the passage of two months, the appeals related to the reserved seats ruling have not been heard. He pointed out contradictions within the ruling, specifically underlining violations of the Election Act.

Siddiqui said that the independently elected members had joined the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and this action is irreversible. He said allowing members of the SIC to join the PTI is an overreach of power.