The Blocking CNIC Supreme Court ruling has declared that blocking a citizen’s Computerised National Identity Card to enforce a court order is illegal. The Supreme Court said this action violates the fundamental right to life guaranteed by the Constitution.
The decision was announced by Justice Muneeb Akhtar in a three-page written judgment. The court clearly stated that a CNIC is a basic necessity for every citizen in Pakistan.
CNIC is essential for daily life, says Supreme Court
In the Blocking CNIC Supreme Court ruling, the court explained that a CNIC is not a luxury. It is required for daily activities like banking, employment, travel, and accessing public services.
The judgment also raised an important question. It asked whether courts would also order disconnection of electricity and water connections for money recovery. This highlighted the seriousness of such actions.
No legal provision allows CNIC blocking
The Blocking CNIC Supreme Court ruling confirmed that there is no provision in Section 51 of the Code of Civil Procedure that allows courts to block CNICs.
The Supreme Court said that without clear legal authority, courts cannot order the blocking of identity cards. This makes such actions unlawful.
Case started from property dispute in 2016
This case began in 2016 after a trial court issued a decree in a property dispute. The petitioner was ordered to deposit a specific amount but failed to pay.
As a result, the trial court ordered the blocking of his CNIC. Later, the Sindh High Court upheld this decision. However, the Supreme Court overturned both decisions in the Blocking CNIC Supreme Court ruling.
PHC amendment not applicable in Sindh
The Supreme Court also clarified another important legal point. It said an amendment made by the Peshawar High Court does not apply in Sindh province.
This clarification was part of the Blocking CNIC Supreme Court ruling, strengthening the legal position of citizens.
Supreme Court protects citizens’ fundamental rights
The Blocking CNIC Supreme Court ruling is an important decision for protecting citizens’ rights. It confirms that identity cards cannot be blocked to force payment or enforce court decrees.
The ruling ensures that basic rights and dignity of citizens remain protected under the law.
