Islamabad: The Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Committee has issued new court rules 2025, which will come into force under the Practice and Procedure Act 2023. These rules were approved on May 29, 2025, chaired by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi.

According to the notification, the committee also includes Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Aminuddin Khan. The decisions of the committee have now become a regular part of the Supreme Court’s procedures and will be implemented immediately.

New procedure for bench formation clarified
Under the new rules, benches will be formed in the Supreme Court on a regular basis, preferably every month or fortnight. Once formed, a bench can be changed only when the procedure laid down by the committee allows it.

The presence of at least two members has been made mandatory for the meeting of the committee, while the Chief Justice can call the meeting in any physical or virtual form.

Emergency measures possible in case of absence
According to the notification, if the Chief Justice is out of the country or unavailable, he can constitute a special committee. This special committee will be able to make changes to the bench on an emergency basis in case of death, illness, separation or absence of a judge.

It will be necessary to record such emergency changes in writing and state the reasons, while these decisions will be presented in the next meeting of the committee.

The committee also has the power to amend the rules
The notification also makes it clear that the committee has the power to amend these rules from time to time. The new rules will prevail over other court rules, as long as they are effective.

The Registrar Supreme Court will be obliged to maintain a complete record of every meeting, decision, and change, so that the principles of transparency and accountability can be fully implemented.