Landmark Move: Federal Cabinet Greenlights Groundbreaking Supreme Court Reform Ordinance
Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Amendment Ordinance 2024 Approved
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the Federal Cabinet have approved the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Amendment Ordinance 2024, marking a significant change in the country’s judicial system.
Key Provisions of the Ordinance
The Ordinance, which is expected to be approved by President Asif Zardari soon, introduces several key changes to the practice and procedure of the Supreme Court.
One of the main provisions of the Ordinance is the expansion of the Chief Justice’s jurisdiction to decide Supreme Court cases. According to the new law, the Chief Justice, a senior judge of the Supreme Court, and a judge appointed by the Chief Justice will decide on cases, replacing the previous three-member bench of the Chief Justice and two senior judges.
The Ordinance also emphasizes the importance of public interest and human rights abuses |”>basic human rights in the decision-making process. The bench will hear cases that prioritize these factors, and each case will be heard in turn or shown.
In addition, the Ordinance mandates that all proceedings and appeals will be recorded, and a transcript prepared. These recordings and transcripts will be made available to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability in the judicial process.
Impact of the Ordinance
The Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Amendment Ordinance 2024 is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s judicial system. By expanding the Chief Justice’s jurisdiction and prioritizing public interest and human rights, the Ordinance aims to increase efficiency and transparency in the decision-making process.
The Ordinance is also expected to improve access to justice for citizens, particularly those who have been marginalized or disadvantaged. By making recordings and transcripts of proceedings available to the public, the Ordinance promotes accountability and transparency in the judicial process.