Govt to challenge SC’s full court formation order

Government challenges Supreme Court's full court order in contempt case over procedural violations.

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The federal government has decided to contest the Supreme Court's order regarding the formation of a full court in the contempt of court case involving Additional Registrar Judicial Nazar Abbas.

Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan informed the constitutional bench of the government's position during a hearing on a customs regulatory duty case.

The government plans to challenge the decision, terming it unconstitutional, Express News reported.

The Supreme Court’s ruling in the contempt case stated that Nazar Abbas had not willfully committed contempt of court.

A two-member bench, comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Aqeel Abbasi, withdrew the show-cause notice against Nazar Abbas, referring the matter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan.

The bench highlighted procedural violations by the Supreme Court's Practice and Procedure Committee and the Judges’ Constitutional Committee, which had administratively reassigned cases contrary to judicial orders.

The ruling stated that these committees lacked the authority to override judicial decisions. The bench recommended that the Chief Justice form a full court to address whether these committees’ actions constituted contempt of court.

The court further noted that the issue is of such significance that it warrants deliberation by all Supreme Court judges collectively. This approach, the bench argued, would ensure institutional integrity and finality in the resolution of the matter.

The decision follows concerns about administrative interference in judicial processes, with the court pointing out similar precedents where larger benches were formed to address issues of this magnitude.