Single line in SC order can prolong cases for up to 18 years: CJ Afridi

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Yahya Afridi, has stated that even a single line in a Supreme Court order can sometimes result in cases being prolonged for up to 18 years.

He assured that in his rulings, he would avoid any observations that might lead to the reopening of cases, Express News reported.

Chief Justice Afridi's remarks came during a hearing of a land dispute case, presided over by a two-member bench he led.

During the session, the petitioner’s lawyer requested a written directive from the court, suggesting that they be advised to approach the relevant forum.

In response, Chief Justice Afridi explained that while hearing an appeal against objections raised by the Registrar's Office, he observed that a single statement from the Supreme Court could result in cases extending unnecessarily.

He emphasised that no such observation would be made in his rulings that could lead to further litigation at lower levels.

Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan added that petitioners have the option to approach the relevant forum without a written directive from the court.

Following this, the court denied the request for an observation to approach an alternative forum.