Sevral senior judges accused intelligence agencies of meddling in judicial matters, and now Lahore High Court directed PM Office to issue orders to civil, and military agencies, directing them not to contact any judge or court staffer.
Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court implemented a 5-point SOP designed to prevent interference with the judiciary. The new SOP instructs Prime Minister’s Office, the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and all civil and military agencies to avoid contacting any judge of the Supreme Court, High Court, or subordinate judiciary, as well as their staff, in the future.
Justice Karim’s ruling follows a suo motu notice he took concerning pressure exerted on an ATC judge in Sargodha. He converted this notice into a writ petition and issued a four-page interim written order.
The interim order notes the conversion of the suo motu notice into a writ petition and highlights the necessity of establishing guidelines to protect the judiciary’s independence.
The order also mandates that the IG Punjab instruct all police officers not to directly communicate with any judge of the Supreme Court, High Court, or subordinate judiciary about the merits of any pending case. Non-compliance will lead to contempt of court proceedings, the court stated.
This significant ruling by Justice Karim marks a major step in safeguarding the judiciary’s independence and shielding judges from undue influence.
The SOP sets forth clear guidelines for all government agencies and individuals, ensuring the judiciary can operate without interference.
