Court of Session Judges, also called District & Sessions Judges, are senior judicial officers in Pakistan responsible for hearing serious civil and criminal cases. They operate at the district level but also have appellate powers, assisting in delivering justice under the supervision of High Courts.
Who They Are
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Senior District Judges: Preside over District Courts, the highest courts in a district.
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Additional District & Sessions Judges (ADSJ): Support senior judges and can hear similar cases.
Jurisdiction and Powers
Original Jurisdiction
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Hear major criminal cases like murder, rape, robbery, and capital offenses.
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Handle significant civil disputes, including defamation, encroachment, and high-value claims.
Appellate Jurisdiction
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Hear appeals from lower courts, such as Civil Judges and Judicial Magistrates.
Capital Cases
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Empowered to pass any legal sentence, including the death penalty for severe crimes.
Examples from Pakistan
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Rawalpindi: Additional District & Sessions Judges include Muhammad Tariq Ayub, Afshan Ijaz Sufi, and Maqsood Ahmad Qureshi.
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Gilgit: Judges like Mumtaz Ahmad and Minhas Hussain serve as District & Sessions Judges.
International Context: Scotland
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Scotland’s Court of Session is the supreme civil court, headed by the Lord President and Lord Justice Clerk.
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Judges, called Lords/Ladies of Council and Session, handle complex civil cases.
Conclusion
Court of Session Judges are central to regional justice systems, addressing the most serious criminal and civil matters while also hearing appeals from lower courts. Their role ensures fairness, accountability, and the smooth functioning of district-level justice in Pakistan.
