**Justice Mansoor Condemns Delay in Bench Powers Case as Contempt of Court**
Supreme Court Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has taken a strong stand against the delay in scheduling the bench powers case, labeling it as “contempt of court.” Alongside Justices Ayesha Malik and Aqeel Abbasi, he co-signed a letter expressing concerns about the handling of judicial orders, as reported by Express News.
**Urgency in Addressing the Issue**
In a letter addressed to Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Mansoor emphasized the need for prompt action to address the matter at hand. The judges highlighted their dissatisfaction with the failure to schedule the case for a hearing on January 20, despite Justice Abbasi’s recent inclusion in the bench on January 16.
**Criticism of Procedural Delays**
Justice Mansoor’s letter underscored the procedural delays that could have been avoided by forming the bench earlier for timely proceedings. He pointed out that disregarding judicial orders not only hampers the legal process but also undermines the authority of the court.
**Debate on Judicial Practices**
The issue has sparked a broader debate on judicial practices and compliance within the court’s administrative processes. The Supreme Court’s procedural committee, which convened on January 17, was also mentioned in the correspondence, with Justice Mansoor reiterating his stance on the matter.
**Contempt Notice Issued**
In response to the delay in hearing cases related to the 26th Amendment, a contempt notice was issued to the additional registrar. This led to all petitions challenging the constitutional tweak being listed before an eight-member constitutional bench, with a scheduled hearing on January 27.
**Calls for Immediate Action**
Earlier appeals by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Munib Akhtar to Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Khan Afridi to expedite hearings for pleas challenging the 26th Constitutional Amendment underscore the urgency of addressing judicial matters promptly.
As the judiciary navigates these challenges, the public remains vigilant about the accountability and efficiency of legal proceedings. The need for timely actions and procedural adherence echoes throughout the corridors of justice, shaping the future of legal practices in the country.
