THE “Supreme Court (Number of Judges) (Amendment) Act,” 2024, was introduced in the Senate on Monday with the aim of increasing the number of Supreme Court judges. This proposal, brought forward by independent Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir and supported by Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, seeks to address the severe backlog of cases currently overwhelming the apex court. With over 53,000 cases pending, the need for action is undeniable.
The sheer volume of cases awaiting resolution highlights a critical issue: justice delayed is indeed justice denied. High-profile cases, some of which involve capital punishments or long-awaited appeals, underscore the urgency for reforms. While the bill’s timing has been questioned by some opposition members, it is undeniable that increasing the number of judges is a necessary measure. However, it is equally important to understand that this is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Expanding the judiciary alone will not suffice if systemic issues are not also addressed. Several additional reforms are essential to tackle the backlog effectively and ensure timely justice. Firstly, measures should be implemented to discourage unnecessary adjournments. Frequent delays caused by parties seeking extensions on various pretexts contribute significantly to the stagnation of cases. Implementing stricter rules regarding adjournments and ensuring adherence to them can help in reducing delays. Secondly, the procedural framework of the judiciary needs an overhaul. Streamlining processes, adopting more efficient case management systems and incorporating more technology for better case tracking and management can greatly enhance operational efficiency. Moreover, there should be a concerted effort to strengthen the lower judiciary. The Supreme Court is often the final arbiter, but a robust lower court system is essential for reducing the burden on the apex court. We expect that the honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan along with relevant stakeholders will drive these efforts forward to implement the long-awaited judicial reforms.
