The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) has revised the Code of Conduct for judges, permitting judges of superior courts to participate in political and diplomatic events only after securing approval from the relevant chief justice. This decision was made during a meeting chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan and SJC Chairman Justice Yahya Afridi on June 11.
In a significant development, the council expanded the code’s scope to encompass judges of the Federal Constitutional Court and updated procedures related to judicial reporting. The amendments also included changes to Article XII of the code, which previously mandated that judges of superior courts avoid presiding over or attending social, cultural, political, and diplomatic gatherings entirely.
Following the revision, judges are now required to refrain from political and diplomatic functions unless they receive prior consent from their chief justice. However, attendance at social and cultural events no longer requires such permission, marking a notable relaxation of earlier restrictions.
Moreover, the SJC approved modifications to paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article XV, which address the reporting and management of judicial matters. These changes formally integrate the Federal Constitutional Court into the reporting framework and clarify the responsibilities of its chief justice and senior judges alongside those of the Supreme Court.
Under the updated reporting system, judges must notify the relevant chief justice and designated senior judges about pertinent issues via the respective registrars. Additionally, if prescribed deadlines are missed in cases involving high courts, the matter will be escalated to the Federal Constitutional Court or the Supreme Court forum originally informed by the judge, ensuring stricter oversight and accountability.
