Islamabad: Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, the Senior Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court, is set to raise significant concerns regarding the non-implementation of court rulings at an upcoming judges committee meeting—a move that could have profound implications for the judiciary. Justice Shah emphasized that failing to enforce judicial decisions is a direct violation of the Constitution, a stance likely to spark intense debate within legal and political circles.
In a recent address, Justice Shah highlighted the critical importance of upholding the Constitution and the rule of law, stressing that the judiciary’s ability to deliver justice is severely compromised if its decisions are not enforced. “The Constitution mandates that all institutions respect and implement court rulings. Failure to do so undermines the very foundation of our legal system,” he declared.
Justice Shah’s comments come at a time when the judiciary’s independence and effectiveness are increasingly under scrutiny, with several high-profile cases reportedly facing delays or challenges in implementation. The issue of non-compliance with court orders has become a growing concern, with some perceiving it as an erosion of judicial authority.
The upcoming judges committee meeting is expected to address these pressing concerns, with Justice Shah likely to advocate for stronger measures to ensure that judicial decisions are respected and implemented promptly. Legal experts suggest that the discussions could include considerations of sanctions or remedial actions against those who fail to comply with court orders.
During his speech, Justice Shah also took the opportunity to clarify his role within the judiciary, stating, “I am the Senior Puisne Judge, not the Acting Chief Justice. Justice Qazi Faez Isa is my friend, and he is the Chief Justice of Pakistan.”
He expressed deep regret over the lack of implementation of the 2014 Supreme Court ruling on minority rights, a landmark decision intended to protect the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan. “It is not possible for Supreme Court decisions to go unenforced, but unfortunately, this has become a pattern,” he lamented.
Justice Shah pointed out that delaying or rejecting judicial decisions would disrupt the entire legal system and upset the constitutional balance. “There is no choice but to implement these decisions, or else the entire constitutional framework would need to be altered,” he warned.
He reiterated that implementing court decisions is not a favor or a burden, but a constitutional duty. “No one has the right to question the correctness of a decision once it has been made by the Supreme Court,” he asserted.
On the issue of minority rights, Justice Shah reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the enforcement of the 2014 ruling, adding, “The Constitution guarantees full religious freedom to minorities.”
As the judiciary prepares to tackle these critical issues, the upcoming judges committee meeting could set the stage for a broader conversation on the role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law and the Constitution, particularly in the context of protecting minority rights.