Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance gets policy nod, paving way for greater judicial autonomy
"We hope to complete the necessary discussions and place the ordinance for final approval within the next few weeks," Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul says
The interim government today (23 October) gave policy approval to the "Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance, 2025", paving the way for major administrative reforms in the judiciary.
The approval came during the weekly meeting of the Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
Speaking to the media at the Foreign Service Academy after the meeting, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul said, "Discussions were ongoing about law for about 25–30 years. Attempts were made around 2006 and 2007 as well, but no government could implement it."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The adviser noted that various commissions, including the National Consensus Commission, Judiciary Reform Commission, and even the chief justice's reform roadmap, had all recommended establishing a Supreme Court secretariat.
"Today, we have finally given it policy approval. We hope to complete the necessary discussions and place the ordinance for final approval within the next few weeks," he added.
Asif Nazrul also informed that once enacted, the law will bring significant administrative autonomy to the judiciary.
"The Supreme Court will have authority over the transfer, posting, promotion, and disciplinary matters of subordinate court judges. It will also grant the court financial independence, allowing it to manage and utilise its own budget, including development expenditures," he said.
However, the adviser said further inter-ministerial consultations are required before final approval, as the ordinance involves financial implications. "We will need opinions from the finance adviser and the Ministry of Public Administration."
The meeting also discussed some recent court activities.
Referring to a High Court bench granting around 800 bail petitions in just a few hours, Asif Nazrul said, "Of course judges have the authority to grant bail, but whether 800 cases can be heard in such a short time is something worth reflecting on. Such incidents highlight the need for a strong administrative structure within the judiciary."
