ISLAMABAD: The Full Court, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, discussed a senior judge’s proposal for en masse resignation last week. The News reported on Thursday that most judges disagreed with the proposal, according to sources. The meeting took place as the judiciary continued to assess its response to recent constitutional developments.
Court Reviews Resignations and Attendance Details
According to Supreme Court sources, around 13 judges attended the meeting. The Full Court was called to discuss the resignations of two apex court judges. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah had already resigned before the meeting. Several senior judges did not attend because they were recently nominated to the Federal Constitutional Court. Their nomination followed the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment earlier this month.
Some Judges Absent Due to Prior Commitments
Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Aamir Farooq and Justice Baqir Najafi missed the meeting due to their new nominations. Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Ayesha Malik and Justice Musarrat Hilali remained absent because of personal engagements. The judges assembled in the chamber of Chief Justice Afridi for the discussion.
Judges Express Concern Over Recent Resignations
At the outset, several judges said it was a sad day for the institution. They insisted that the meeting must address the judiciary’s response to the 27th Constitutional Amendment. One judge questioned what kind of response the court could lawfully make. He asked what constitutional authority the Supreme Court held to stop parliament from using its legislative powers.
Suggestions for Institutional Action Emerge
Some judges suggested writing a letter to the government on behalf of the Full Court. Chief Justice Afridi said the judges should have discussed the matter with him directly. He added that his doors remained open for all judges. He said writing a letter to the government would not be appropriate.
Chief Justice Highlights Limits of Court’s Authority
The chief justice said the court held the power of judicial review. He stated that the court could decide what actions were ultra vires. However, he asked how the court could stop parliament from passing a law. He emphasized that judges could not prevent parliament from exercising its constitutional mandate.
Resignation Proposal Rejected by Majority
Despite his response, several judges continued to demand an institutional reaction. A senior judge then proposed collective resignation by all Supreme Court judges. He said such a move would serve as the strongest institutional response available. However, the majority disagreed with the proposal.
Court Approves Supreme Court Amendment Rules 2025
After concluding the debate, the meeting considered the Supreme Court Amendment Rules 2025. The judges unanimously approved the new rules. The approval marked the final decision of the Full Court during the session.
