SC notifies SOPs to ensure uninterrupted functioning during ‘unforeseen public holidays’

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday notified separate standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure uninterrupted judicial functioning during “unforeseen public holidays”.

The development comes as extraordinary security measures have been put in place for the anticipated second round of US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, expected to be held this week.

A day earlier, the Federal Constitutional Court also said no judicial work would be conducted at its principal seat in Islamabad on Tuesday in view of security arrangements ahead of the arrival of foreign delegations.

According to a press release issued by the SC on Tuesday, under the SOPs, administrative and judicial business will ordinarily continue during “emergently declared public holidays” with minimal essential staff arrangements, unless otherwise directed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi.

“The case fixation framework prioritises urgent civil and criminal matters, including family cases, bail matters, criminal review petitions, cases of prisoners above 80 years of age, restoration petitions and compromise matters and cases involving short legal questions,” the statement said.

It added that to reduce pendency, at least 40 per cent of each final cause list would consist of the oldest pending cases up to the year 2018, with progressive inclusion of later years where required.

It said that special facilitation had also been provided for cases filed by counsel from Sindh and Balochistan.

“The SOPs further provide for the issuance of weekly and proposed monthly cause lists, along with the development of an automated case fixation system to enhance transparency, minimise delays, and improve case flow management,” it said.

The statement concluded that the measures reflected the SC’s “continued commitment to efficient, technology-driven, and citizen-centric administration of justice”.

On Monday, the SC had conducted court proceedings, where around 20 cases out of a total of 28 were disposed of, while one of the members of the bench participated from the Lahore Registry via secure video link.