Pakistan’s Federal Constitutional Court has ruled that failing to announce reserved judgments within the prescribed time constitutes a violation of law, setting a clear deadline for courts to ensure timely justice. The decision aims to address delays and improve transparency in the judicial system.
In a seven-page written judgment, Justice Aamir Farooq stated that high courts are bound to deliver reserved verdicts within 90 days. The court directed that copies of the ruling be sent to all high courts for strict implementation of the guidelines.
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The judgment emphasized that decisions announced after the 90-day limit could be declared invalid on that basis alone. It further noted that rules governing the Supreme Court and high courts carry the force of law, and violations may lead to consequences.
The court also addressed concerns over premature leaks of judgments, stating that any disclosure before official announcement is against the rules. It added that the head of a bench can order a rehearing if a decision or its contents are leaked before being formally issued.
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The ruling highlighted growing concerns over delays in reserved judgments, noting that litigants often wait long periods for justice. In the case at hand, the Sindh High Court had issued a verdict after 10 months, prompting the Constitutional Court to remove certain observations while deciding an appeal filed by the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation.