FCC adopts SC rules until new ones framed

The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has formally decided to adopt the Supreme Court Rules 2025, a move aimed at providing an interim procedural framework until the court finalises its own rules.

The announcement came following a full court session chaired by FCC Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan on November 17, with the decisions now being made public. During the meeting, the FCC also laid down key procedural directives.

It was decided that until the FCC rules are framed, the Supreme Court Rules, 2025 will be adopted for the court's functioning. It was also decided that hearings will be conducted by a minimum two-member bench, ensuring the continuity and efficiency of judicial proceedings.

Furthermore, any case challenging the decision of a two-member bench will be heard by at least three judges, reinforcing a hierarchical review mechanism within the court.

In addition to bench composition, the FCC decided that advocates authorised to practice in the Supreme Court will also be eligible to appear before the FCC, broadening the pool of legal representation and ensuring consistency with established judicial standards.

The Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) and the Advocate Generals (AGs) of all the four provinces have been officially notified of the decisions taken in the full court session. The move reflects the court's intention to maintain procedural clarity and institutional continuity as it develops its own comprehensive rules for constitutional adjudication.