Government filed a reference in SC to the interpretation of Article 63(A)
The federal government has filed a presidential reference in the Supreme Court seeking interpretation of Article 63(A) on the issue of dissident members.
Attorney General Khalid Javed Khan has filed the reference in the Supreme Court approved by the President Dr. Arif Alvi.
The reference filed by the Attorney General will seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on the interpretation of Article 63(A) of the Constitution.
The reference states that Article 63(A) does not specify for how long a defecting member will be disqualified on change of allegiance. Disqualification under Article 62(F) should be for life. The doors of Parliament should be closed on such members forever.
The presidential reference states that 63(A) and 62(F) should be interpreted to prevent a culture of vote-buying and that the votes of dissident members should be considered controversial.
The presidential reference also states that dissident member’s votes should not be counted until a decision on disqualification is made.
