One line from the SC can make cases last for 18 years: CJ Yahya

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Yahya Afridi noted that a single sentence by the Supreme Court judges can extend cases for up to 18 years. The chief justice made these remarks while presiding over a prolonged case. The Chief Justice was leading a two-member bench addressing a land dispute case.

The petitioner’s counsel asked the apex court to issue a written order that would allow the petitioner to go to the appropriate forum for resolution of the dispute. To this, CJ Yahya said that he will not many any observation or write any statement that causes the case to prolong even further, or initiate a new civil case.

Justice Shahid Bilal, the second member of the bench, concurred and said that the petitioner could seek a referral to the relevant forum without needing a formal directive from the Supreme Court.

Ultimately, the apex court denied the petitioner’s request to issue a written referral.