SC sticks to one weekly off-day

Judges to work in their chambers, write judgments on Saturdays.

ISLAMABAD: A full court meeting of the Supreme Court has decided not to opt for two-holidays as announced by the federal government late last week.

The full court meeting was held with Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry in the chair, decided that judges will continue hearing cases five days a week, while utilising the sixth day to work in their chambers and write judgements.

Since staff will be required for writing judgments, it was decided not to opt for the two weekly holidays and continue with the present practice of one weekly off.

A committee headed by Justice Khilji Arif Hussain and comprising senior members of Bar has also been formed to examine the working and performance of advocates on record.

The recommendations of this committee will be reviewed by another two member judicial committee.

The full court meeting also approved to offer apprenticeship to outstanding new law graduates as law clerks to work with the apex court for one or two years.

The meeting also expressed satisfaction at the pace of disposal of cases by the apex court and the performance of advocates on record.