The revised code directs judges to maintain their conduct above reproach and avoid any behavior that raises questions about propriety.
The Supreme Judicial Council has approved amendments to the Code of Conduct of Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Court. The amendment prohibits judges from speaking to the media about judicial or political matters and attending or presiding over public events while in office.
The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) meeting was chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi at the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Munib Akhtar attended the proceedings virtually, while Miss Aalia Neelum, Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, and Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, were present in person.
The revised code states that judges must maintain their behavior above reproach and refrain from conduct that may raise questions of propriety. “A judge is expected to be above reproach and, to that end, maintain his conduct free of impropriety in all aspects, official and private,” states Article III of the amended code.
The amendments reinforce existing expectations of recusal when conflicts of interest exist. Judges are ordered not to hear cases that affect their own interests or those of their closest collaborators. “A judge must resolutely refuse to act in a case that affects his own interests, including those of people whom he considers and treats as close relatives or close relatives. [friends]”, reads Article IV. It further states that, “A judge must strictly refrain from entering into or continuing any business, however unimportant, with any party in a case before him.”
In addition, it also prohibits judges from participating in public debates or political discussions, especially through the media. “A judge should not engage in any public controversy, whether through speeches, writings, debates or comments in any forum, least of all on political issues, even if such issues involve a question of law.”
The article further notes: “You will not have any interaction with the media, especially regarding issues that may lead to public debate or negatively affect collegiality and institutional discipline.”
If public accusations are made against a judge, the code prescribes a formal complaints mechanism. “You may raise the matter in writing before the Committee comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan and four Senior Judges of Supreme Court of Pakistan through its Registrar for appropriate institutional response.”
Additionally, judges are instructed to avoid any public comments on judicial or administrative matters. “He will not publicly discuss any judicial or administrative matter, nor will he make public any communication relating to his personal or official affairs.”
Regarding financial conduct, the code warns against participation in commerce, industry or speculative investments. “A judge should endeavor to avoid, as far as possible, becoming involved in litigation, whether on his own behalf or on behalf of others. In particular, he should not engage in activities such as industry, commerce or speculative transactions, as the pursuit of wealth can never be the goal of a judge.”
He also warns: “Using the influence of your position to obtain an improper advantage, whether immediate or future, is a serious offense.”
The amendments restrict judges from participating in organizational functions or political activities. Article VII states: “In general, extrajudicial, official or private duties or responsibilities should be avoided. One should also avoid being a candidate for any elective office in any organization.”
On the question of gifts and hospitality, the code states: “Gifts should be received only from relatives and close friends, and only from those who are habitual. Anything that constitutes favors as a consequence of office should be refused.”
Furthermore, he also added: “A judge of a superior court would not accept an invitation to a dinner or reception in his honor from an individual member of the Bar.”
The amended code also emphasizes timely justice. “A judge shall take all necessary measures to decide cases in the shortest possible time, effectively monitor efforts to prevent early resolution of cases, and do everything possible to minimize the suffering of litigants by resolving cases quickly through appropriate written rulings.”
To protect judicial independence, Article XV outlines steps for reporting undue influence. “The judge shall immediately inform, in writing, the Chief Justice concerned, the Chief Justice of Pakistan and the four senior judges of the Supreme Court through the respective Registrars.”
In such cases, the matter must be brought before a committee and resolved within a specified period. “The commission’s decision on the report will be taken within fifteen days.”
If the committee does not respond in time, the code calls for escalation. “If the Chief Justice or the committee in the High Court case, as the case may be, does not respond within the stipulated time, the Chief Justice of Pakistan along with four senior judges of the Supreme Court will take up the matter.”
As part of the meeting, the council also reviewed 74 complaints filed against judges. In the first phase, 67 complaints were examined, of which 65 were dismissed, one was postponed and one was approved to continue with the process by majority vote.
Subsequently, due to the recusal of the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court from the agenda items, the council was reconstituted with the inclusion of Justice SM Attique Shah, Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court. In this phase, seven additional complaints were reviewed: five were unanimously dismissed, while two were allowed to proceed.
With the disposition of these 74 complaints, the total number of cases handled by the city council since October 2024 amounts to 155, while 87 complaints remain pending initial consideration.
