Supreme Court Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has sent a letter to Chief Justice Yahya Afridi before the start of the new judicial year. The letter raises six important questions about court procedures and administrative decisions.
Justice Mansoor asked why the Practice and Procedure Committee meeting was not held to fulfill legal obligations. He also questioned why rule amendments were approved through circulation rather than discussion in a full court. Additionally, he raised concerns about a new policy on dissenting notes introduced without consultation.
The letter further questioned an order on judges’ leave that appeared to conflict with judicial independence. Justice Mansoor asked why petitions challenging the Twenty-sixth Constitutional Amendment were not listed before a full court.
He also highlighted issues with court management. According to Justice Mansoor, benches are being formed unilaterally, cause lists are issued without consultation, and judges’ rosters are circulated for signatures without discussion. He noted that senior judges were being assigned to two-member benches, while junior judges handled three-member benches.
Justice Mansoor urged the Chief Justice to respond publicly to these questions during the judicial conference on September 8. He said a public response would build confidence among judges and the public, ensuring reforms are transparent and constitutional.
In his letter, Justice Mansoor emphasized that this communication is institutional, not personal. He also noted that previous letters on these issues had not received any reply.
This letter from Justice Mansoor highlights ongoing concerns about transparency, fairness, and judicial independence in Pakistan’s Supreme Court. The questions aim to clarify administrative procedures and reassure the public about the proper functioning of the judiciary.
Justice Mansoor’s actions underline the importance of accountability and open discussion in judicial matters. The upcoming judicial conference is expected to provide answers to these pressing questions.
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