Supreme Court seeks clarity on military trial of May 9 rioters

The seven-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court – headed by Justice Aminuddin – has adjourned the hearing on the intra-court appeal against the trial of civilians in military courts.

The case pertains to the military trial of individuals involved in the May 9 incidents, with the bench questioning the legal grounds and rationale for these proceedings.

At the outset of the hearing, the bench posed critical questions regarding the military trials, specifically focusing on the inconsistencies in the handling of cases related to the May 9 events.

Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan addressing the lawyer of the Ministry of Defense Khawaja Harris remarked, “You are carrying a basket full of questions,” as the lawyer attempted to present his arguments.

Justice Mussrat Hilali raised concerns about the authority to decide which accused individuals should be tried in military courts, questioning the basis for such decisions without suspending the Constitution.

“Give us an example where a military trial of a civilian has taken place without suspending the Constitution,” she remarked.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, noting that the FIR for all May 9 accused was identical, inquired how the distinction was made between those being tried in military courts and those in anti-terrorism courts. “Give us one FIR of all these cases,” he requested.