An Overview of the Sindh High Court

The Sindh High Court is one of the five high courts in Pakistan and is located in the city of Karachi, the capital of Sindh. The high court serves as the appellate court for the province, as well as the court of original jurisdiction for certain cases. 

It also has the power to strike down laws and regulations that are deemed to be in violation of the Constitution and can direct the executive branch of government to take specific actions in order to safeguard the rights of citizens. It is an essential institution for the protection of human rights and the promotion of the rule of law in Sindh.

The Sindh High Court is known for its progressive and forward-thinking decisions, which have often set important legal precedents in Pakistan. It has been a champion of individual rights and freedoms and has taken a strong stance on issues such as the protection of the environment and the rights of minority groups. 

Graana.com has prepared a comprehensive overview of the history, jurisdiction, and significance of the Sindh High Court.

History of the Sindh High Court

The establishment of the Sindh High Court was formalised through the passage of the Sindh Courts Act in 1926. On April 1st, 1937, with the implementation of Part III of the Government of India Act, 1935, Sindh became its own province and the judges of the court of Judicial Commissioner of Sindh were appointed by the British government through a royal warrant.

Initially, the number of judges on the Karachi bench of the High Court of West Pakistan was nearly the same, but it was later increased to 15.

Upon the separation of the Sindh and Balochistan high courts, 12 judges were assigned to the Sindh High Court and three judges to the Balochistan High Court. Currently, the approved strength of judges for the Sindh High Court is 28, but only 24 judges have been appointed.

Jurisdiction of the Sindh High Court

The court has original jurisdiction over cases involving public interest, election disputes, and issues relating to the protection of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Pakistan.

The court also has appellate jurisdiction over cases decided by lower courts in the province of Sindh, including the Civil and Sessions Courts, and the District and Sessions Courts.

Significance of the Sindh High Court

The Sindh High Court is a vital institution that plays a crucial role in the administration of justice in Sindh. The court’s jurisdiction over a wide range of cases and its appellate authority make it an essential source of legal guidance and interpretation for the residents.

In addition, its decisions set important legal precedents that are followed by lower courts in the area and throughout Pakistan.

The Infrastructure of the Sindh High Court

The main building of the Sindh High Court was constructed between 1923 and 1929 at a cost of Rs. 30,35,000, which was initially estimated at Rs. 39,75,248. Despite being designed to accommodate five judges, the building now houses benches, courtrooms, chambers for 18 judges, offices for the Attorney-General, Deputy Attorney-General, and the High Court Bar Library.

The Supreme Court Registry was also based in the high court building, using two courtrooms and three chambers until it was relocated. 

However, this did not ease the shortage of accommodation and, in 1974, an annexe building was constructed at a cost of Rs. 4.4 million, which now provides office space for the Ministry of Justice, the Special Banking Court, and the Sindh Bar Council.

Bench

The High Court of Sindh comprises a chief justice and 27 judges. The appointment of a judge in a high court is made by the president, following discussions with the chief justice of Pakistan, the governor of the province, and the chief justice of the relevant high court.

An individual can only be appointed as a judge if they are a Pakistani citizen of at least 40 years of age, and have served as a high court advocate or held a judicial position for at least 10 years, including a minimum of 3 years as a district judge.

The judges hold their position until they reach the age of 62, or choose to resign, or are removed from office due to violation of the Constitution.

The main headquarters of the High Court of Sindh is located in Karachi, with additional benches in Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana.

The governor, with the advice of the cabinet and consultation with the chief justice of the high court, has the authority to determine the jurisdiction of additional benches at other locations.

Former Chief Justices of Sindh High Court

The following is s list of former chief justices of the Sindh High Court below:

The current Chief Justice of High Court of Sindh is Justice Ahmed Ali M. Shaikh. He took oath as the Chief Justice of High Court of Sindh on 15th March, 2017.

Judges of Sindh High Court

The appointment of additional judges begins with a one-year term, after which their services may be extended, confirmed, or terminated. Presently, the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court is Justice Ahmed Ali M. Shaikh.

Contact Information

Address: Near Passport Office Saddar, Karachi & Sindh Secretariat, Karachi

Email Address: info@sindhhighcourt.gov.pk

Contact Number: (021) 99203151-9

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