Sindh High Court has declined to hear constitutional petitions following the establishment of dedicated constitutional benches. Several cases, including those seeking immediate relief, have been postponed indefinitely. During the hearing of a petition regarding the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), the petitioner’s lawyer argued that the case fell under Article 199(2) of the Constitution.
Justice Salahuddin Panhwar clarified, “Applications aimed at restraining provincial or federal authorities or institutions from taking action will be heard by the constitutional bench.” The court suggested that the petitioner seek permission from Justice KK Agha, head of the constitutional benches. Justice Salahuddin Panhwar added, “We are granting conditional permission, but the office will first determine whether the matter will be heard by a regular or constitutional bench.”
The court also excused itself from hearing cases related to NAB call-up notices, account defreezing, and protection pleas, emphasizing that these matters would now be addressed by the constitutional benches. Additionally, in a petition seeking the quashing of an FIR, the court instructed that it be converted into an application under Section 561 and presented before the appropriate bench. All hearings for these petitions have been deferred indefinitely.
