ISLAMABAD, November 27: Pakistan's Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah came under attack again today as two judges of the Peshawar Bench of the Supreme Court suspended him on the issue of seniority, plunging the country into an unprecedented crisis.The two judges of the Peshawar bench of the Supreme Court - Justice Saeeduzaman Saddiqi and Justice Sadal Fazle Elahi Khan - upheld the judgment by the Baluchistan Bench of the court that Shah's appointment to the top judicial post be ``held in abeyance''. The Bench was hearing a petition challenging Shah's appointment of grounds of seniority. However, Shah overruled the order of the Baluchistan Bench citing ``procedural error''.The Chief Justice said he was ready to step down if it was in accordance with the law of the land and the Constitution. ``I shall uphold the rule of law and independence of judiciary,'' he said heading a five-member Bench. However, a judge, Justice M Kazi gave a note of dissent.Shah said the matter would be heard tomorrow by a separate Bench nominated by him. There were reports that the Sindh bench of the court was also expected to announce its judgment on a similar petition.The Government earlier sent a summary to the President, recommending the appointment of the seniormost judge, Justice Ajmal Mian, as acting Chief Justice. The President, after consulting his aides, refused to sign the summary.Meanwhile, President Leghari and Army chief General Jehangir Karamat held extensive talks on the situation. Shah also met Leghari in the morning prior to appearing in court.Pakistan's Parliament met this evening amidst rumours that the Government will introduce legislation against the President and the Chief Justice. Though it is undecided what form this legislation will take, it is expected that it will lower the retirement age of the Chief Justice or may shorten the time that the President has to sign a Bill into law.Hearings in Nawaz Sharif's contempt case resume tomorrow morning.
