Over 300 Multan Lawyers File Complaint Against LHC CJ Aalia Neelum in Supreme Judicial Council

ISLAMABAD / MULTAN —
In a rare move, more than 300 lawyers from Multan have submitted a formal complaint to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) against Chief Justice Aalia Neelum of the Lahore High Court (LHC), accusing her of enforcing discriminatory court practices and failing to implement approved digital reforms, 24NewsHD TV channel reported Tuesday.

The complaint, signed by senior members of the Multan Bar, alleges disparities in court fee structures and the non-provision of a long-promised video link facility at the Multan Bench.

We demand equal treatment across all LHC benches. The court fee disparity and lack of digital access are unjustified and unconstitutional, the complaint states.

Key Allegations:

• Court Fee Disparity:
  Lawyers argue that fees for certified copy forms (Rs500) are being charged only at the Multan Bench, while no such charges apply at the principal seat in Lahore, creating a dual system of justice.
• Delayed Video Link Implementation:
  The Supreme Court of Pakistan had approved video conferencing facilities for the Multan Bench on December 24, 2024, but lawyers claim no action has been taken in over six months, causing delays in hearings and increased costs for litigants.

The complaint describes the situation as a violation of Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law, and demands an inquiry by the Supreme Judicial Council, the body responsible for judicial accountability in Pakistan.

“Litigants in South Punjab are already under-resourced. These added burdens only further limit their access to justice,” said one senior advocate from the Multan Bar Association.

Background:

Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, who assumed office in late 2023, became the first woman to lead the Lahore High Court. While her appointment was widely celebrated, this formal challenge raises serious concerns about administrative and regional equality under her tenure.

Legal analysts view this move as significant, given the rarity of such collective complaints being filed by hundreds of lawyers against a serving high court chief justice.

The Supreme Judicial Council has yet to respond to the filing or announce whether a formal inquiry will be initiated.