Compliance with law 142. The Judges are independent, and subject only to the Constitution and the law. When deciding matters on which the Constitution or the law is silent, Judges must consider Islamic Shari’ah. In the performance of their judicial functions, Judges must apply the Constitution and the law impartially and without fear, favour or prejudice. Jurisdiction of the courts 143. (a) The Supreme Court and the High Court shall have jurisdiction to enquire into and rule on the constitutional validity of any statute or part thereof enacted by the People’s Majlis. (b) In any matter before them, all courts have jurisdiction to determine matters concerning the interpretation and application of any provision of the Constitution, and this shall not be deemed contrary to article (a). (c) Every court has jurisdiction to overturn the decision of a lower court. (d) Lower courts shall follow the decisions of a higher court. Powers in constitutional matters 144. When deciding a constitutional matter within its jurisdiction, a court: (a) may declare that any statute, regulation or part thereof, order, decision or action of any person or body performing a public function that is inconsistent with the Constitution is invalid to the extent of the inconsistency; and (b) may in connection with a declaration pursuant to article (b) make any order that is just and equitable, including: 52

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