A two-member bench of the Supreme Court, comprising CJ Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Musarrat Hilali had released Mr. Mubarak Ahmad Sani, principal of an Ahmadiyya madrassa, on bail on February 6, 2024—he had already served twice the time in prison than the prescribed punishment for the alleged crime.
The decision spiked anger in religious circles against the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and Ahmadis. The Government of Punjab, Jamaat e Islami and numerous other religious organizations filed a review petition against the decision. A three-member bench of the Supreme Court, under the supervision of the Chief Justice, is now dealing with the review petitions.
The Express Media Group published a news item on the update of this case on March 28, 2024. We produce its translation below:
Qadiani citizen bail case, Ulama asked for written opinion within 2 weeks
Web Desk Thursday, March 28, 2024
Islamabad: The Supreme Court has asked ulama for their opinions in writing within two weeks in the case of bail for a Qadiani citizen.
The Supreme Court heard the review petitions on the decision for bail of Mubarak Ahmad. The court told all the applicant ulama to submit their written opinion within two weeks.
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa said that if there is any mistake in the court’s decision, they would rectify it. It is better to adopt the right course than to indulge in violence by taking up arms, he added. A religious issue should be handled with care and consideration. We shall not seek legal advice from the ulama. We shall seek guidance from scholars with reference to Sharia in which their knowledge is greater. What is the definition of a Muslim in Islam?
The court said that the ulama should confine their opinions to the points raised in the court’s decision. Opinions received after the specified time will not be entertained. Relevant individuals can be made party in civil cases, but in criminal cases, only the plaintiff, defendant, and the government can be parties. Even without making them parties, the opinions of all ulama will be heard. Further hearing will take place after receiving the opinions of the ulama.
