By Muhammad Shafique Baloch Advocate High Court
Lahore High Court Issues Contempt Notice to Registrar Over Legal Oversight.
In a startling development, the Lahore High Court has issued a contempt notice to its Registrar, Ms. Abher Gul Khan, for alleged misconduct and failure to provide adequate legal assistance during court proceedings. The incident occurred during the hearing of T.A. No. 51230 of 2024, where the court was examining the legality of trial proceedings for Sessions cases conducted at sub-divisional levels.
The controversy stemmed from a Notification dated 29.11.1997, which directed that Sessions trials should be held only at district headquarters. When questioned about the matter, the Registrar claimed that the 1997 Notification had been superseded by a subsequent Notification issued in 1999. However, she failed to explain the procedural process behind the issuance of these Notifications or their compliance with the requisite legal provisions under Section 554(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.), which mandates prior sanction from the Provincial Government and publication in the official gazette.
The Registrar’s response, described as dismissive and lacking in due diligence, shocked the presiding judge, Justice Muhammad Amjad Rafiq. The court noted her failure to address key legal queries and her unawareness of the Notifications’ background as highly objectionable and amounting to contempt of court.
Registrar’s Controversial Remarks.
In a striking exchange, the Registrar responded to the court’s inquiry with the statement, “What do you expect from me! I know nothing about it and I was not even in job when such Notification was issued.” This statement drew sharp criticism from the bench, which expected a high-ranking officer to be well-versed in court procedures and legal documentation.
Court Orders and Next Steps.
His lordship Mr. Justice Muhammad Amjad Rafiq directed the Registrar to submit a reply to the contempt notice by December 3, 2024. Furthermore, the matter has been referred to the Honourable Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court for further orders, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The court’s observations also highlighted potential lapses in compliance with the Cr.P.C., raising broader questions about the procedural integrity of such Notifications and their implementation across subordinate courts.
Implications for Judicial Accountability.
This development underscores the critical importance of accountability and legal expertise within the judiciary’s administrative ranks. The alleged misconduct by a high-ranking official has not only drawn public attention but also raised concerns about the functioning and oversight of judicial processes at the administrative level.
As this story unfolds, legal experts and the general public alike will be watching closely to see how the Lahore High Court addresses this serious lapse in judicial administration.
