Background on the 9 May Riots Case
The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench has allowed military courts to announce reserved verdicts for 85 civilians involved in the May 9 riots. This follows the riots that erupted after former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023, which targeted military installations. The court’s decision is conditional and dependent on its final ruling on appeals regarding the trial process.
Military Courts to Issue Verdicts
The bench, led by Justice Aminuddin, gave the go-ahead for military courts to pronounce verdicts, including releases for those eligible for remission. Those who remain in custody after their verdicts will be transferred to civilian jails. This development applies to trials that have been pending for over a year.
Previous Court Rulings on Military Trials
Last year, the Supreme Court ruled that military courts were not authorized to try civilians and that such cases should be handled in criminal courts. However, a December 2023 decision temporarily allowed military trials to proceed while the court considered appeals.
Implications for Future Trials
The court emphasized that the verdicts issued by military courts would be subject to its final ruling on the constitutionality of these trials. If the court upholds its previous decision, military court verdicts may be nullified, with cases moved to anti-terrorism courts.
Next Steps in the Case
The court has adjourned further hearings until January after the winter break. The final decision will determine the legality of military trials for civilians involved in the 9 May riots and may affect the status of their convictions and sentences.
