Pakistan’s Supreme Judicial Council Admits 19 Complaints Against Superior Court Judges
The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) of Pakistan has unanimously agreed to hear 19 complaints filed against judges of the superior judiciary, signaling a renewed focus on accountability within the country’s legal system. The decision, reached on Saturday, follows a meeting convened by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi to address a backlog of pending complaints and enhance transparency in misconduct investigations.
Streamlining Accountability Procedures
CJP Afridi initiated the SJC meeting earlier this week to review approximately two dozen complaints targeting superior court judges. A key objective was to establish a more efficient and transparent process for handling allegations of judicial misconduct. According to a press release, the council examined 24 complaints filed under Article 209 of the Constitution.
“19 complaints were unanimously decided to be filed while five others were deferred for the time being,” the release stated. This indicates a commitment to thoroughly investigate credible allegations while carefully considering the merits of each case.
Key Participants and Approvals
The SJC meeting was presided over by CJP Afridi and included senior puisine judge Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, and Sindh High Court Chief Justice Muhammad Junaid Ghaffar.
Beyond the review of complaints, the council also approved the draft of the SJC Secretariat Service Rules, 2025. These rules are expected to formalize internal procedures and improve the operational efficiency of the SJC. Further deliberation is required regarding the Procedure of Enquiry, 2005, and proposed amendments to the Code of Conduct, with a focus on legal and drafting considerations.
Committee Formed to Revise Code of Conduct
To ensure the Code of Conduct remains current and effective, the SJC appointed Justice Akhtar to lead a committee tasked with proposing necessary amendments. This proactive step demonstrates the council’s dedication to upholding the highest ethical standards within the judiciary.
Previous Case Load
In February, the SJC addressed a significant volume of complaints, examining 46 cases against constitutional office-holders. Of those, 40 were disposed of, comments were requested on five, and additional information was sought in one instance. This prior activity underscores the SJC’s ongoing commitment to addressing concerns regarding the conduct of high-ranking officials.
The SJC’s recent actions represent a significant step towards strengthening judicial accountability and reinforcing public trust in Pakistan’s legal institutions.
