The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Summary of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) (Amendment) Act, 2024

Objective: The primary aim of this legislative amendment is to address the growing backlog and increase in litigation within the Supreme Court of Pakistan by adjusting the number of judges.

Key Points:

• Title and Commencement: The Act is officially named the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and it takes effect immediately upon its passage.

• Amendment to Section 2: The Act amends the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1997, specifically replacing the original Section 2. The new provision sets the maximum number of Supreme Court Judges, excluding the Chief Justice, at thirty-three.

Main Objectives and Reasons:

• Current Composition: Prior to this amendment, the Supreme Court of Pakistan comprised sixteen judges plus the Chief Justice, totaling seventeen.

• Need for Increase: The amendment is a response to the consistent rise in litigation and the consequent backlog of cases in the Supreme Court of Pakistan. By increasing the number of judges, the amendment aims to enhance the court's capacity to address and reduce the pendency of cases.

• Impact: The increase in the number of judges from sixteen to thirty-three, in addition to the Chief Justice, is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Supreme Court in handling cases, thereby contributing to the timely delivery of justice.

This legislative amendment reflects the government's commitment to strengthening the judicial system in Pakistan by ensuring that the Supreme Court is better equipped to manage its caseload and deliver justice efficiently.