ISLAMABAD – In a significant move aimed at dramatically enhancing the efficiency of its operations and providing greater relief to the public, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has officially notified a new, comprehensive policy for the same-day fixation of delisted cases. This policy represents a crucial reform initiative designed to minimize litigation delays and foster a more litigant-friendly environment at the apex court.
The new directives, formally announced through a circular issued in Islamabad on Wednesday, directly address the long-standing challenge of cases being unexpectedly delisted due to operational constraints, such as the non-availability of the requisite Bench or Judge.
Prioritizing Same-Day Hearings:
Under the new Standard Operating Procedure, the Supreme Court has mandated a proactive approach to scheduling. Henceforth, whenever a case must be delisted for logistical reasons, the administration will prioritize its immediate re-scheduling. The delisted matters shall, so far as is practicable, be swiftly redistributed among the available Benches and Judges for a prompt hearing later that same day, specifically after 11:30 am.
This commitment to same-day resolution is set to significantly reduce the inconvenience, travel costs, and anxiety faced by litigants and their counsel, who often travel long distances to attend scheduled proceedings.
Guaranteeing Prompt Resumption:
The policy also provides a clear and certain mechanism for situations where same-day redistribution is not feasible. If immediate rescheduling is genuinely impractical, the delisted cases will not face an indefinite waiting period; instead, they will be automatically fixed for hearing in the following judicial week. This automatic mechanism removes ambiguity and ensures a guaranteed, near-future date for the case to be heard.
The issuance of this policy is a testament to the Supreme Court’s commitment to strengthen case management practices, dramatically enhance judicial accessibility, and uphold the core principles of swift justice. It marks a progressive step towards a more reliable and predictable judicial calendar for all parties concerned.
