The Supreme Court has released its second quarterly performance report, covering the period from December 17, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
During this timeframe, approximately 4,000 cases were settled, although the total number of cases increased by 1,453.
The report highlights that 5,427 cases were registered and 3,974 cases were disposed of in the three months. Despite the considerable number of cases resolved, there was an overall increase in the case backlog.
In a notable move aimed at promoting transparency and public interest, the Supreme Court live-streamed court proceedings 30 times during the quarter.
The report emphasizes that accountability for judges remains stringent, with a rule stating that no judge can avoid accountability by resigning. The Supreme Court took action in restoring Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui's right to a fair trial, the report highlighted.
The report also details several significant judicial decisions during this period. The Supreme Court judged the Zulfikar Ali Bhutto reference, revising the lifetime disqualification rulings, and upheld the special court's decision against former president Pervez Musharraf. Additionally, the court laid down a principle that a wife's consent is necessary for a divorce to be valid.
An interesting detail in the report mentions the presence of a pair of peacocks at the official residence of the chief justice of Pakistan. The report noted that the peacocks required veterinary care, and after receiving treatment, the pair of white peacocks were handed over to wildlife authorities.
