Disagreements Arise in Islamabad High Court Over Appeals Process for Civil Court Decisions

Islamabad: A new dispute has emerged in the Islamabad High Court over the transfer of appeals against civil court decisions to district courts. Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan raised concerns about the procedure followed in sending the cases back to district courts and summoned Additional Registrar Ijaz Ahmad to clarify the matter.
The Additional Registrar informed the court that during the full court meeting of 2023, it was decided to send these appeals to the district courts. The registrar explained that the note was initially written to the Chief Justice, following which a division bench was formed. The bench then ordered the pending appeals in the High Court to be forwarded to the district courts.
However, Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan remarked that while the full court had discussed the matter, no decision was made regarding sending the appeals back. He pointed out that the decision to send the cases back to the district courts was made by a bench consisting of two junior judges. He emphasized that any such decision should have been made by the full court, and the judges handling the pending appeals should have been consulted.
The court also noted that many cases, which were 80% heard, have now been transferred back to district courts, which will lead to fresh hearings and cause difficulties for the petitioners.
The court adjourned the hearing until July 8, seeking further assistance on the matter.