SC refuses petition seeking establishment of additional benches in Punjab

Additional benches are necessary for lawyers who cannot travel long distances, says petition

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a constitutional petition challenging an order not to establish new additional benches in Punjab made by the Lahore High Court (LHC).



The SC registrar said the petitioner did not approach the proper forum for redressing their grievances.

"The decision on such an important issue is arbitrary and discriminatory and lacks transparency," states the petition filed by Pakistan Bar Council's Raheel Kamran Sheikh.

The petition also stated that the LHC's decision discriminates against members of the legal fraternity practising in Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sargodha and Sahiwal.

It undermines their professional prospects as they have to travel long distances to practice or migrate to cities where the high court is located, added the petition.

During the last month, different district bar associations have gone on strike, severely affecting the dispensation of justice.



Some elements in the Bar have resorted to violence against the refusal to establish new benches in Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan and Sahiwal, threatening and intimidating the district administration, damaging property and locking courtrooms.

Footage of such action has been widely broadcast.