SC knocks down IHC order on Lakhvi release

Published January 7, 2015
Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi - DawnNews screengrab
Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi - DawnNews screengrab

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday set aside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) order regarding the release of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the alleged mastermind of the Mumbai attacks in 2008.

The case has been remanded back to the IHC on the ground that the decision of Lakhvi's release was rushed. The apex court maintained that the high court must hear the arguments of both parties — Lakhvi and the federal government — with sufficient time.

Take a look at: SC restrains magistrate from deciding Lakhvi bail plea

The case will be heard again on Monday next week at the Islamabad High Court.

Yesterday, the Islamabad High Court issued notices to Lakhvi on the appeal filed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), seeking cancellation of bail granted to him by the ATC in the Mumbai attacks case.

Also read: IHC orders conditional release of Mumbai attacks mastermind

The court also issued notices to Lakhvi to answer the contention in the government’s appeal, to be served upon him through the Adiala Jail superintendent, where the accused is currently detained. The court issued the notice with the observation that since there was also an IHC order in favour of Lakhvi, the court was also cognizant of the requirements of the fundamental rights of its citizens.

“We will be lost if we deviate from the constitution,” Justice Khawaja observed.

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