ISLAMABAD: During a hearing of petitions challenging the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, the attorney general informed the apex court on Thursday that the federal government had made the decision to review the law in consultation with the top court. The case was heard by an eight-member larger bench, presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial.
The Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill, 2023, which had been introduced by the government, had already become law after receiving approval from joint session of the parliament. However, during the hearing, it was revealed that the federal government had now chosen to review the practice and procedure act. The attorney general stated that the law would be amended in consultation with the Supreme Court. Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial welcomed this decision, emphasizing that the revision would bring about harmony in the laws.
The attorney general pointed out that certain provisions in both the practice and procedure bill and the revision law were similar. Therefore, a re-examination of the two laws would be necessary to avoid any potential conflicts.
The chief justice, addressing the attorney general, emphasized the importance of consulting the judiciary on matters concerning the Supreme Court, as doing so would prevent conflicts from arising. He also proposed the possibility of the full court listening to arguments on the formation of a full court, if desired.
Further, the chief justice stated that if they were to review the law, it would essentially be an academic exercise. Thus, he suggested that they first define the scope of the dispute, which would help focus the hearing mechanism.
Subsequently, the court adjourned the hearing on the petitions against the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, until the following week.
