ISLAMABAD, DEC 1: Monday turned out to be a day of anti-climax in Islamabad with neither of the two Supreme Court Benches commencing their respective hearing amidst a temporary reconciliation within the judiciary brokered by the lawyers' association.Had the hearings commenced, there would have been two Supreme Courts within one building - a five-member Bench headed by Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah hearing the contempt of court case against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and a full court Bench comprising 15 judges hearing a plea challenging the appointment of Chief Justice himself.This would have been an unprecedented situation in a country gripped in political turmoil caused by the tussle between the Chief Justice and the Prime Minister.On Sunday night, ten Supreme Court judges had asked the government to ignore the directives of the Chief Justice. Following this, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made a hard hitting speech on national television in which he accused the Chief Justice of entangling him in ``useless matters,'' and accused Pakistan President Farooq Leghari of supporting the Chief Justice in his crusade.The speech by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was well received by people who agreed with the PM's contention that he be allowed to continue his work to strengthen the country's economy and law and order situation.However, Sharif stands charged with contempt of court and if found guilty may end up losing his job. Even if the Chief Justice steps down as demanded by members of the ruling party, the political uncertainty in the country will continue as President Farooq Leghari will continue in office.There are strong rumours that the government will try to impeach the President in case the Chief Justice steps down. Some observers say that proceedings against the President may come up earlier to put pressure on the Chief Justice.
