The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) on Friday directed the media not to comment on its in-camera proceedings except information provided to it (media) through the press release. The SJC in its one page order said: "The Council is pleased to order that in view of the sanctity of its proceedings, the media is directed not to comment on the cases being adjudicated by it except the information given by it through press release or with the prior permission of the Council.
The Council also directed all concerned to comply with its order. On July 31, a 14-member larger bench of the Supreme Court had declared the November 3, 2007 emergency and its consequent actions as void and unconstitutional. The court had also held that all judges of the superior courts who had taken oath under the November 3, 2007 emergency in violation of the Supreme Court order had ceased and their cases had been referred to the SJC for further action.
The decision was taken by the council with Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry in the chair in its last meeting held on August 29, said the statement issued by the SJC. The SJC had issued notice to Justice Muhammad Afzal Soomro of Sindh High Court (SHC) in a fresh reference for appearance before the council pertaining to manipulation of Court record and giving judgement without hearing parties' counsels, on its next meeting which is scheduled for September 26.
The Council had further decided not to proceed further on complaint of Mr Ismail against Justice Abdul Shakoor Paracha, former Judge, Lahore High Court (LHC) as the judge had already tendered resignation. The resignation was accepted and duly notified by the Government of Pakistan.
The meeting was also attend by other Members including Justice Javed Iqbal and Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza Khan (senior judges of the Supreme Court), Justice Tariq Pervez, Chief Justice Peshawar High Court, Justice Khawaja Muhammad Sharif, Chief Justice Lahore High Court, and Dr Faqir Hussain, Registrar, Supreme Court, who is also the SJC Secretary.