Tax cases will be heard by division benches only: Judicial Policy Making Committee

National Judicial Policy Making Committee met on Friday under the chair of Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi which was attended by Chief Justices of all High Courts, reported 24NewsHDTV Channel. 

According to an official declaration, Committee takes strict notice of enforced disappearances and it was decided in the meeting that there will be no compromise on fundamental rights. High Courts were directed to take steps to protect judicial officers from pressure. 

According to the announcement, approval was given for establishment of Commercial Litigation Corridor to resolve commercial disputes. The Automation Committee was tasked with formulating code of conduct on use of AI in judicial system. Moreover, it was decided that SOPs will be prepared for appearance of prisoners and witnesses through video link. 

The committee decided that tax cases will be heard only by division benches and single bench will not have the authority to do so. 

During the meeting, pilot projects of Model Criminal Trial Courts and Double Docket Courts were also approved. Ii was asserted that the launch of the alternative mediation system will also provide convenience in family courts. A committee was formed under the chairmanship of Justice R. Rehmat Hussain Jafri for the improvement of the district judiciary.