For proper Court decorum and smooth functioning of the Supreme Court, entry into Courtroom No 1, where 17-members larger bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan will recommence proceedings of petitions challenging 18th Constitutional Amendment w.e.f August 23, would be regulated by passes.
Following steps have been taken in the regard including special security cameras have been installed in the Court rooms as well as Public entry gates and reception areas of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Passes will be issued to the petitioners, respondents, their learned counsels appearing before the Court.
The entry of the journalists who regularly cover Supreme Court proceedings will also be made through passes. Any additional demand for journalists' entry could be made to the Additional Registrar Supreme Court of Pakistan. As regards others, passes will be issued to all those who are interested to watch court proceedings but subject to seating capacity in the said Courtroom. Passes to be issued on first-come-first-serve-basis may be obtained from the office of Additional Registrar, Supreme Court.
Entry into Court building will be allowed after checking and searching of bags, etc. No cell phone can be carried inside the Courtroom. The cases which had been fixed before regular smaller benches, pertaining to lawyers/parties belonging to other provinces ie Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan will not be fixed due to the engagement of Judges in 17-Member Bench.
Therefore, only the petitions of local lawyers both civil and criminal (bail matters, family matter, service matters) or the cases ordered to be fixed on court order or cases ordered to be fixed on account of their urgency will be fixed for hearing. Cases will be fixed before the Bench No 1 as before. However, preference will be given to the case of local lawyers.