The Punjab government opposes the bench’s consideration of Fawad Chauhdry’s request to consolidate the May 9 cases.
The Punjab government objected to the Supreme Court bench reviewing a petition submitted by former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry, which seeks to consolidate several FIRs filed against him concerning the May 9 events.
A two-member bench led by Justice Hashim Kakar reviewed the case, during which Fawad Chaudhry contended that 35 FIRs were registered at various police stations concerning the same incident, which he claimed contravened legal standards and could constitute political victimisation.
Chaudhry asserted that multiple FIRs pertaining to a single incident lack legal viability and advocated for the consolidation of all cases into a singular trial to ensure equity and mitigate legal complexities.
Justice Kakar observed that, at first glance, proceedings should fundamentally rely on the initially registered FIR.
During the proceedings, the prosecutor representing the Punjab government contested the configuration of the current bench, asserting that since Fawad Chaudhry had contested a decision made by a two-member Lahore High Court, the case should be adjudicated by a three-member bench in compliance with constitutional stipulations.
The court upheld the objection and forwarded the case to the Supreme Court’s Judges Committee, suggesting it be scheduled before a three-judge panel. The Registrar’s Office has been directed to arrange the case for next Monday.
