Justice Shah Questions Deputy Registrar Over Delay in Scheduling Supreme Court Jurisdiction Case

On January 20, 2025, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah of the Supreme Court of Pakistan inquired why a pivotal case concerning the court’s jurisdiction had not been scheduled for hearing as previously ordered. The case, involving the federal government’s appeal against the Sindh High Court’s decision to strike down Section 221-A(2) of the Customs Act, 1969, was initially set for deliberation on January 16 but was deferred to January 20. Upon discovering the case was still not listed, Justice Shah summoned the additional registrar, who was unavailable due to illness; Deputy Registrar Zulfiqar Ahmed appeared instead. Ahmed explained that a judges’ committee had decided the matter would be heard by the Constitutional Bench on January 27. Justice Shah, a member of the committee, expressed surprise, stating he was unaware of such a decision. Justice Ayesha Malik questioned how an administrative committee could override a judicial order, emphasizing that all, including the chief justice, are bound by court orders. The court has issued a show-cause notice to the additional registrar and adjourned the case until January 21.