Murder case referred to three-member bench as SC adjourns hearing indefinitely

ISLAMABAD, Jun 23 (APP):The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday directed that a murder case be placed before a three-member bench and adjourned further proceedings indefinitely.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail heard the matter. During the proceedings, counsel Rehan Sheikh requested that the case be fixed for hearing on Monday and be placed before a three-member bench.

Responding to the request, Justice Mandokhail observed that the matter was currently before a two-member bench and would instead be scheduled before a three-member bench for further hearing.

During the hearing, Advocate Rehan Sheikh also raised concerns regarding certain administrative measures introduced by the Chief Justice and the legal community’s access to the Registrar Office of the Supreme Court. He argued that some issues could not be resolved without direct interaction with the relevant officials, but lawyers were unable to gain access to the Registrar Office.

Justice Mandokhail asked whether such a situation was beneficial or detrimental. The counsel replied that it was entirely inappropriate. He maintained that the Registrar Office was located inside the court premises and that lawyers’ concerns were not reaching the relevant authorities because staff stationed outside were not allowing access.

The court questioned the role of lawyers’ representatives if such difficulties existed. Justice Mandokhail remarked that representatives were elected precisely to identify problems and work for the welfare and betterment of the legal fraternity. He added that every system had room for improvement and constructive suggestions should be conveyed through the proper channels.

The counsel further informed the court that he had received approximately 150 notices directing him to prepare paper books in various cases. He contended that, under the applicable rules, the preparation of paper books in death sentence and life imprisonment cases was the responsibility of the concerned institution rather than the defence counsel.

He also pointed out that notices requiring the submission of paper books were being sent even to prisoners incarcerated in jails, raising concerns about the practical implementation of the procedure.

Justice Mandokhail assured the counsel that, in his capacity as a member of the legal fraternity, he would convey the suggestions and concerns raised by the lawyer to the relevant authorities for consideration.

Following the exchange, the Supreme Court ordered that the murder case be fixed before a three-member bench and adjourned the matter for an indefinite period. No date for the next hearing was announced.