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ISLAMABAD, Jan 20 (APP):The Chief Justice of Pakistan has engaged with advocates of the Supreme Court, advocates-on-record and office bearers of the Supreme Court Bar Association to introduce a series of measures aimed at improving case management, procedural efficiency and facilitation for advocates and litigants.
According to a press release issued on Tuesday, it was decided that the proposed monthly cause list will be issued in advance to allow better preparation of cases.
The weekly cause list will be released by Wednesday, subject to changes due to roster sittings or non-availability of benches.
The court has also laid down a clear mechanism regarding the delisting of cases. Ordinarily, intimation of delisting will be conveyed at least 48 hours before the fixed date, and advocates will be responsible for timely informing the parties. In cases where delisting takes place within 24 hours, matters will generally be redistributed or re-fixed before available benches, except on Fridays. If redistribution is not possible, such cases will be fixed in the following week in line with the approved policy.
It was further decided that the existing policy on early hearing will be strictly implemented. Criminal cases in which a substantial portion of the sentence has already been served, cases involving convicts aged 80 years and above, and cases settled through compromise will be given priority under the early hearing category.
The press release stated that judgments and orders, once signed by the bench, will be promptly uploaded and shared with the concerned advocates through email, with strict compliance to be ensured by the relevant officers.
A late-hearing mechanism has also been approved, allowing cases to be fixed for hearing after the lunch break on a joint request by advocates from both sides, subject to approval by the Chief Justice. No adjournment will be granted in such cases on any ground.
Benches at branch registries will continue to be nominated in accordance with the pendency of cases at each registry.
For addressing grievances and facilitating procedural matters, advocates and litigants have been advised to approach the Public Facilitation Center, where the Registrar of the Supreme Court, along with deputed officers, will be available daily from 11am to 11:15am.
All concerned officers have been directed to ensure effective implementation of these decisions to promote efficiency, transparency and improved service delivery at the Supreme Court.