FCC rules delayed reserved judgments beyond 90 days unlawful

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan (FCC) has ruled that prolonged delays in announcing reserved judgments by superior courts are “against the law”, directing strict adherence to procedural timelines.

In a seven-page judgment authored by Justice Aamir Farooq, the court held that high courts are bound to issue reserved verdicts within 90 days, stressing that the rules governing the Supreme Court of Pakistan and high courts carry the force of law.

The FCC observed that any judgment delivered after the prescribed period could be declared void solely on the basis of delay, underscoring that judges and court staff must strictly comply with procedural requirements.

The ruling came on a petition filed by the Pakistan Shipping Corporation challenging a decision of the Sindh High Court (SHC) in a pension dispute case.

Highlighting concerns over confidentiality, the court also ruled that even unintentional leaks of judgments or key observations before official announcement violate court rules. It said bench heads may order fresh hearings in such cases, either before the same bench or a newly constituted one.

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The judgment further directed that such irregularities in high courts be referred to the respective chief justice, while in the Supreme Court they should be taken up by the judges’ committee for appropriate action.

The FCC noted a growing trend of delayed reserved judgments, observing that litigants often face prolonged uncertainty while awaiting decisions. It cited a case in which the SHC took nearly 10 months to announce a reserved verdict.

In the same ruling, the FCC disposed of the appeal filed by the Pakistan Shipping Corporation and struck down certain observations made by the high court.

The court ordered that copies of the judgment be circulated to all high courts for implementation, signalling a push for greater judicial efficiency and accountability.