ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) administration and Ministry of Law and Justice, to create ease for litigants and lawyers, have asked courts not to issue adverse orders in pending adjudication matters.

The IHC issued a circular which says: “The decision to restrain the courts from passing adverse orders has been made on the request of Islamabad Bar Council (IBC) and President IHC Bar Association.”

Lawyers’ bodies were seeking relaxation in the deadline for filing an appeal in civil cases because of the prevailing situation due to coronavirus. The legal fraternity as well as the litigants cannot possibly ensure attendance on each date of hearing, they said.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah relaxed the time limit to file an appeal against an order till the situation turns to normalcy.

Justice Minallah also issued directions that no ex-parte will be conducted, asking courts not to dismiss any cases due to non-prosecution. He will visit district courts at 11am on Thursday to view arrangements and precautionary measures carried out as per the policy of social distancing.

Meanwhile, the law ministry also issued guidelines for Customs Appellate Tribunals and Appellate Tribunals of Inland Revenue asking not to issue adverse orders in case any party is absent keeping in view the threat from spread of coronavirus.

The law ministry said this order has been issued on the request of lawyers, chartered accountant firms and financial consultants.

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2020