SC committee approved new rules under Practice and Procedure Act, 2023

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act, 2023, has been updated with the inclusion of a new procedural framework for 2025, according to media reports.

A committee meeting chaired by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, approved the changes, and they are in effect under the aforementioned act.

The committee comprises CJP Afridi, senior puisne Judge J. Mansoor Ali Shah, and head of the constitutional bench Justice Amin ud Din khan.

As per the new rules, the CJP can summon the meeting physically or virtually in case of absence from the country. A minimum of two members is required for the meeting to proceed

The Apex court committee will form benches either for a full month or for just 15 days.

The benches will continue their duties in any case, the formation of the committee changes, and the bench formation will also not be altered unless the procedure specifically allows it.

In case of non-availability of the CJP, a special committee will oversee the formation of the benches and can change it in cases of a judge’s illness, absence, resignation, or death.

The new guidelines also require that all emergency decisions be documented in writing, including the reasons behind them.  These revisions must be presented at the committee’s next meeting.

The Supreme Court registrar is responsible for keeping detailed records of all meetings, rulings, and modifications.