Judges barred from media engagement, political comment under new SJC code
Judges barred from media engagement, political comment under new SJC code
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 — The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) has approved sweeping amendments to the Code of Conduct for superior court judges, – new SJC code prohibiting them from engaging with the media, commenting on political issues, or participating in social and diplomatic functions.
The updated code, approved on Saturday under the chairmanship of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, introduces strict new rules aimed at reinforcing judicial integrity and institutional discipline. The meeting was attended virtually by Justices Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Munib Akhtar, while Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum and Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar participated in person.
Key Restrictions
Under a revised Article V, judges are now barred from speaking, writing, debating, or commenting publicly on any controversial or political matter, even when legal questions are involved. They are also prohibited from interacting with the media, particularly on topics that could provoke public debate or undermine the judiciary’s unity.
If public allegations are made against a judge, the issue must be submitted in writing to a committee comprising the CJP and four senior Supreme Court judges for an institutional response. Judges are also forbidden from publicly discussing judicial or administrative matters or disclosing official communications.
Social and Diplomatic Limitations
The new Article XII instructs judges to abstain from attending or presiding over social, cultural, or diplomatic events.
Article XIII classifies as misconduct the solicitation of invitations to conferences or meetings from foreign or international entities. Any such invitations received must be routed through the relevant chief justice.
Article XIV prohibits judges from accepting dinners or receptions hosted in their honour by individual lawyers.
Upholding Integrity and Independence
Under Article XV, judges are required to decide cases solely on merit, uphold moral integrity, and resist all internal or external influences. Any attempts at interference must be reported in writing to the CJP and four senior judges through the registrar. High court judges are to inform their respective chief justices, who must place such reports before a three-judge committee within two days, with a decision due within two weeks.
Cases sent for judicial determination are to be decided as early as possible while ensuring fair trial and due process. If a high court fails to act within the stipulated time, the CJP and senior judges will assume responsibility.
Background and Scope
Originally framed in 1962 and amended through October 18, 2025, the code—binding under Article 209 of the Constitution—retains existing provisions on personal conduct, recusals, financial matters, extra-judicial roles, gifts, collegiality, and fidelity to the judicial oath.
The earlier 2009 code had advised judges to avoid publicity and political controversy but did not explicitly bar media interaction or establish a mechanism for institutional responses to public allegations.
SJC Reviews Misconduct Cases
During the same sitting, the SJC reviewed 67 complaints filed under Article 209. Of these, 65 were closed, one deferred, and one ordered for further processing.
Later, the council was reconstituted under Article 209(3b) with Peshawar High Court Chief Justice S.M. Attique Shah joining after the Islamabad High Court chief justice excused himself from certain agenda items. The reconstituted body reviewed seven additional complaints, closing five and deciding by majority to proceed further on two.
According to sources, the complaint against Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri was deferred until November 20, while another Islamabad High Court judge was issued notice over delayed judgement.
Following Saturday’s proceedings, 87 cases remain pending, with the SJC having dealt with 155 complaints since October 2024.
