The workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday violated the decorum of the Lahore High Court (LHC) by storming into the courtroom of Chief Justice (CJ) Umar Atta Bandial.
PTI chief Imran Khan had arrived at the LHC CJ’s court to submit evidence of poll rigging in May 11, 2013 elections in Lahore’s constituency NA-122. However, his overzealous supporters, including lawyers, forced their way into Justice Bandial’s chamber and started shouting slogans.
Policemen were called in to control the PTI mob while CJ Bandial, displeased with the disturbance, left the courtroom.
He was also reported to have remarked that “such environment is violation of decorum of the court which will be not tolerated”. The door of the courtroom was also damaged when the lawyers and PTI workers went out after the CJ delayed the hearing.
The LHC was holding a hearing into inspection of electoral record from Lahore’s constituency NA-122.
Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz’s (PML-N) leader Sardar Ayaz Sadiq was declared elected from the constituency.
On a petition filed by PTI, the Election Commission ordered recounting of the votes in NA-122. Sadiq had challenged the decision of Election Commission in the LHC.
After the court resumed the case hearing, Imran’s counsel Ahmad Owais apologized to the court, saying that the PTI lawyers and workers were not involved in the incident.
The LHC CJ said, “Everyone can come to court but they should maintain the decorum.”
Later, the chief justice adjourning the matter till May 12 sought a written explanation from Imran’s lawyer about this incident.