Supporters of Pakistan’s former premier Nawaz Sharif filed a petition at the Supreme Court challenging his deportation to Saudi Arabia, while thousands of opposition members and lawyers held protests for Sharif on Tuesday.

The prominent opposition leader was sent back to Saudi Arabia on Monday after spending a little more than four hours in Pakistan. A court ruling said last month that Sharif has the “inalienable right” to return home after spending almost seven years in exile.

Members of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) accused several government officials of being “involved in the execution and abetment of contemptuous action,” urging the highest court led by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry to analyze the petition.

Chaudhry was suspended in March by President Pervez Musharraf for alleged involvement in a corruption scandal. A huge wave of discontent and demonstrations was triggered and eventually the Chief Justice returned to his seat in July.

The Supreme Court passed down several decisions seen as a blow to Musharraf’s authority and observers expect the “court of last resort” to accept this latest petition, which also asks the government to “immediately secure the return of Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan and produce him before the court.”

In 1999, Musharraf seized power through a bloodless coup and ousted Sharif, who was prime minister at that time. The ex-premier was quickly brought before a court and sentenced to life imprisonment for corruption, hijacking and other criminal offences.

Pakistan officials claim Sharif agreed to leave the country for ten years and avoid serving his prison term, but the opposition leader denied the deal. Sharif said he didn’t give his approval for a period on ten years and was assured that he would be allowed to return home after five years.

Sharif’ deportation was labeled as being “illegal and unconstitutional” by thousands of lawyers across the country who went on strike to express their discontent. In Sharif’s hometown, Lahore, dozens of lawyers took their protest on the streets, while the PML-N and other opposition parties called for a nationwide strike.

Musharraf is expected to seek another five-year term next month and the return of Sharif was seen a serious threat to his plans, critics said. Sharif pledged to join other opposition members and prevent the army general from clinching another mandate.

Human rights groups and the European Union criticized his deportation and the Islamabad government for trying to crush into submission the opposition.