Blocking CNIC to enforce court decree violates right to life, SC rules

Justice Muneeb Akhtar issues three-page ruling overturing SHC order, says identity card is basic necessity

ISLAMABAD:

The Supreme Court has declared as illegal the Sindh High Court's order to block a citizen's national identity card in order to enforce a court judgment, ruling that depriving a citizen of a Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) is tantamount to taking away the fundamental right to life.

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Justice Muneeb Akhtar issued a three-page written judgment, stating that a national identity card is not a luxury but a basic necessity for leading an ordinary life. "Will courts tomorrow also order the disconnection of electricity and water connections for the recovery of money?" the judgment read.

The court held that no provision under Section 51 of the Code of Civil Procedure permits the blocking of a national identity card, and that without a clear provision in law, no court can order such action.

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It further noted that an amendment made by the Peshawar High Court to the Code of Civil Procedure does not apply to the province of Sindh.

The case stems from a 2016 trial court decree issued against the petitioner in a property dispute, directing him to deposit a determined amount. Upon non-payment, the trial court ordered the blocking of his national identity card -- a decision the Sindh High Court subsequently upheld. The Supreme Court has now overturned that ruling.