The Supreme Court of Pakistan has released a new policy to expedite the hearing process for specific legal cases.
According to a circular issued on Wednesday, the court will now prioritize bail matters—including bail before arrest and post-arrest—as well as compromise cases and family dispute proceedings related to the transfer of decrees or proceedings.
Under the new guidelines, petitioners involved in the cases above will not be required to submit separate requests for early hearings, streamlining the process significantly. This adjustment ensures that urgent matters are addressed more swiftly and efficiently.
Election Matters to Receive Urgent Attention
The policy also stipulates that all election-related matters will be fast-tracked for hearing, depending on the availability of the appropriate bench. These cases will be arranged chronologically, eliminating the need for petitions for early hearings and facilitating quicker resolution in election disputes.
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Applications for out-of-turn case fixation must now be drafted directly by the Advocate Supreme Court (ASC) and submitted through the Advocate on Record (AOR). These applications must clearly outline the urgency of the matter and include relevant supporting documents such as execution proceedings, warrants of arrest, or possession orders to justify the request.
If an application for an early hearing is denied, any subsequent request must present new and compelling reasons for urgency to be considered again.
This initiative by the Supreme Court of Pakistan represents a significant effort to make the justice system more responsive and efficient, particularly in handling urgent judicial attention.