Justice Mansoor objects new Ordinance Committee

Islamabad: Senior puisne judge of Supreme Court, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah raised his concerns on Monday over the formation of a new Ordinance Committee, expressing his reservations in a letter addressed to the Practice and Procedure Committee.

In his letter, Justice Shah argued that the previous committee could have continued its duties, even after the ordinance was introduced, pending a full court review by the Chief Justice. He questioned the need for reconstituting the committee so soon after the ordinance's enactment, especially without providing any reason for the removal of Justice Muneeb Akhtar from the committee.

Justice Shah firmly stated that he would not participate in any future meetings unless the former committee was reinstated.

He emphasized the importance of judicial transparency and independence, pointing out that the Chief Justice had already voiced concerns about the ordinance. Justice Shah contended that a full court meeting should have been held to evaluate the ordinance's potential consequences, warning that its immediate implementation could compromise the judiciary's integrity and affect its public image.

Justice Shah further argued that the constitutionality of the new ordinance is questionable, citing a previous Supreme Court judgment. He warned that moving forward with the committee's work under these circumstances could harm the judiciary's reputation.