Independence of judiciary a pillar of the Constitution: Justice Bandial.

ISLAMABAD -- Justice Umar Ata Bandial, who is heading the full court to hear Justice Qazi Faez Isa case, on Monday observed that independence of the judiciary is a pillar of the Constitution.

'The removal of judges is an independent act, therefore, the president has to act independently,' Justice Bandial said during the Supreme Court hearing.

'However, we have to make Article 209 workable. When the proceeding against an SC judge (Justice Isa) is commenced and a notice is issued to him by the Supreme Judicial Council then whether the petition against the president will be maintainable,' he questioned.

Justice Bandial also noted that under Judge Inquiry Rules 2005, the council can get further material to form its opinion to proceed against the judge.

Sindh High Court Bar Association's counsel Raza Rabbani pleaded the council has exclusive authority to inquire about the judge.

'The purpose of Article 209 is to ensure the independence of the judiciary and...