PM, Cabinet approve amended Practice and Procedure Ordinance

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Federal Cabinet have approved the Supreme Court’s amended ‘Practice and Procedure Ordinance, 2024’.

This move is set to reshape the authority and functioning of the Supreme Court. The ordinance, which is likely to receive presidential approval soon as well, was circulated by the Ministry of Law to the Prime Minister and Cabinet members yesterday.

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Under the new ordinance, the authority of the Chief Justice of Pakistan in deciding Supreme Court cases will be enhanced. The revised process stipulates that a bench, comprising the Chief Justice, a senior judge of the Supreme Court, and a judge appointed by the Chief Justice, will now preside over cases of public importance and those relating to fundamental human rights.

Previously, a three-member bench, including the Chief Justice Qazi faez Isa and the two senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, was responsible for deciding such cases. The amendment alters this composition, granting the Chief Justice increased discretionary power in selecting the judges for the bench.

Another notable provision of the Supreme Court Amending Practice and Procedure Ordinance, 2024 is the mandatory recording of all court proceedings. Every case and appeal will now be transcribed, with the transcripts and recordings made publicly accessible.

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In addition, the ordinance states that in each case, the Governor will be provided with the rationale behind the court’s decisions.

This ordinance is expected to bring more transparency and accountability to the judicial process, particularly regarding cases involving public interest and human rights.