The Supreme Court has held that the power to remand cases to subordinate courts for a fresh hearing is an exceptional and corrective jurisdiction that cannot be exercised as a matter of routine. The Court observed that appellate courts are duty-bound to decide disputes themselves where the record is complete, rather than subjecting litigants to […]
Supreme Court
NCCIA challenges SC verdict on Imaan, Hadi’s sentence suspension pleas
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has filed an application in the Supreme Court seeking withdrawal of its May 12 order in the case relating to the suspension of sentences awarded to lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha. In its petition, the NCCIA contended that the Supreme Court cannot interfere in matters that are […]
Multiple life sentences awarded in single trial to run consecutively: SC
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that multiple life sentences awarded by a sessions court in a single trial shall, as a general rule, run consecutively unless the court specifically orders them to run concurrently. The apex court further held that paragraph 40 of the judgment in the “Shah Hussain case” does not constitute […]
SC reduces death sentences of three convicts to life in kidnap, murder case
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a detailed judgment in the kidnapping and murder case of five-year-old Umar Rathore, commuting the death sentences of three convicts to life imprisonment. The apex court also dismissed an appeal challenging the acquittal of co-accused Asad Mumtaz. Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim authored the detailed verdict, observing that the prosecution […]
SC directs IHC to decide on Iman, Hadi sentence suspension pleas
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed the Islamabad High Court to issue a ruling on the petitions seeking the suspension of sentences for activist Iman Mazari and Hadi Chattha. A three-member bench, headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, heard the case on Tuesday and ordered that the matter remain pending before the apex court until […]
SC sets key legal principles on property transfer as haq mehar
The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday has ruled that a co-owner of jointly owned property cannot transfer more property as Haq Mehr than his lawful and inherited share. The apex court further directed Nikah Registrars and Nikah Khawans to ensure verification of ownership of property mentioned as Haq Mehr and ordered the inclusion of […]
SC dismisses TRG appeals in Zia Chishti case
The Supreme Court has dismissed with costs appeals filed by Greentree Holdings Limited, The Resource Group International Limited and The Resource Group Pakistan Limited against businessman Muhammad Ziaullah Khan Chishti, leaving intact a Sindh High Court ruling in a closely watched corporate control dispute involving TRG Pakistan. A three-member bench comprising Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, […]
SC directs trial court to submit progress report in EOBI corruption case
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has sought a detailed progress report from the trial court regarding the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) corruption case, directing the lower judiciary to expedite proceedings. The apex court also issued notices on petitions filed by the EOBI seeking the cancellation of bails previously granted to the accused. A three-member […]
Complainant cop acting as IO violates fair trial principles: SC
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has laid down an important legal principle in a narcotics case, ruling that a complainant police officer acting as the investigating officer in the same case is against the requirements of transparent justice and a fair trial. Pointing out serious flaws in the evidence and investigation process, the court acquitted […]
‘No one is subordinate’: SC asserts equal status with FCC
The Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan has ruled that the Supreme Court and the Federal Constitutional Court are “coordinate courts” operating within distinct constitutional jurisdictions, with neither institution subordinate to the other. Hearing a bunch of petitions, the SC’s two-member bench – comprising Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan – clarified the […]