The number of pending cases in the Supreme Court of Pakistan has decreased from over 60,000 to 50,487, a drop of nearly 10,000, according to a report issued by the top court for November.
Per the report, the number of cases pending in the top court had surged to over 60,000 during the tenure of former Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa.
According to a fortnightly report issued by the Supreme Court on Monday, at least 674 cases were disposed of from November 16 to November 30.
Of the cases pending, the report noted that cases of a civil nature comprised some 31,458 cases, while the criminal cases stood at 10,208. A total of 18 suo motu notices and 136 applications from the top court's Human Rights Cell (HRC) are pending in the Supreme Court. Moreover, the data showed that some 2,209 civil revision petitions and 3,251 jail petitions were pending in the top court.
Early hearing of bail applications, in-chamber hearings approved
Meanwhile, Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) President Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, along with SCBAP General Secretary Salman Mansoor, met with the Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi on Monday to discuss the challenges faced by the legal fraternity in ensuring the efficient dispensation of justice at the Supreme Court.
During the meeting, CJP Afridi acceded to many genuine requests of the Bar.
According to the top court's spokesperson, Chief Justice Afridi agreed to the early fixing of all types of bail applications soon after the filing.
Similarly, CJP Afridi allowed a request by the Bar to restore the discontinued practice of in-chamber hearings of cases with regard to interim applications and stay matters. The practice had been discontinued under CJP Isa, who frowned upon the practice and deemed them equally important to be discussed in open court to promote transparency.
Chief Justice Afridi indicated that throughout the week, judges nominated by the Supreme Court will be hearing the cases in their chambers.
Following the SCBA request, the Chief Justice agreed to increase the number of judges assigned to chamber appeals to further expedite the process.
The Chief Justice also acceded to the SCBAP request that all applications requesting a video link be entertained on the same day as the hearing of cases in the respective Registries.
"This initiative is aimed at facilitating lawyers, minimising delays, and reducing the need for adjournments, particularly for those practising in distant regions," the press statement said.
Regarding the timely provision of certified copies of verdicts, Chief Justice Afridi outlined that they were in the process of revamping the system with a digitisation initiative underway to streamline operations and improve service delivery.
"In response to concerns about file tracking and accessibility, particularly for lawyers from remote areas, the Chief Justice desired that all the advocates of the Supreme Court should provide their designated emails and WhatsApp numbers in the office so that the provisions of filing petitions directly online and issuance of certified copies and notices etc, be expedited."
The SCBAP leadership expressed appreciation for these proactive measures and reaffirmed their support for initiatives that enhance the efficiency and accessibility of the justice system.
Chief Justice Afridi reiterated his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the legal community and ensuring the smooth administration of justice.