The efficiency of legal proceedings and safeguard government interests, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has instructed all ministries and divisions to take punitive action against officials who fail to file Intra Court Appeals (ICAs) and Civil Petitions for Leave to Appeal (CPLAs) within the designated timeframe.
This directive, issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), underscores the critical importance of timely legal actions to prevent cases from becoming time-barred, thereby avoiding significant losses to the government.
During a Cabinet meeting held on August 2, 2024, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his concern over the apparent lack of attention given by various ministries and divisions to legal cases and appeals filed by litigants, including government servants, in courts and tribunals. He noted that delays in filing these appeals often result in cases being dismissed as time-barred, leading to irreparable damage to the government’s interests.
In response to these concerns, the Prime Minister has directed that all ministries and divisions must develop and implement a robust Case Management System (CMS) similar to the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Litigation Management System (LMS). This system is intended to track cases and appeals filed by litigants, ensuring that they are regularly updated and actively pursued in the relevant courts and tribunals until their final resolution. The PMO has made it clear that any failure to file ICAs or CPLAs within the stipulated period will result in the identification of those responsible, followed by appropriate punitive action.
The PMO’s directive represents a significant shift in how legal affairs are to be handled by government departments. The emphasis on creating a Case Management System is aimed at ensuring that all legal cases involving the government are tracked meticulously, reducing the likelihood of any lapse in the filing or follow-up of appeals. This move is expected to streamline the legal process and improve the government’s ability to defend its decisions in court.
Following the issuance of this directive, Asma Hoori, Chief (Legal-1) at the FBR, has sought detailed information from all ministries regarding their handling of legal cases. The FBR’s Litigation Management System (LMS), which has been highlighted by the Prime Minister as a model for other ministries, is designed to track and manage legal cases efficiently, ensuring that all appeals are filed promptly and followed up until their final outcome. This system serves as a blueprint for other government departments to emulate in their efforts to improve legal case management.
The LMS dashboard of the FBR provides a comprehensive overview of all ongoing legal cases, including deadlines for filing appeals and the status of each case. This system has proven effective in preventing cases from becoming time-barred and ensuring that the government’s interests are protected in legal disputes. As part of the effort to familiarize other ministries with this system, the Legal Wing-IR of the FBR has organized a joint session for all ministries and divisions. This session will include a demonstration of the LMS dashboard, providing an overview of its functionality and addressing any questions that the participants may have.
The introduction of a Case Management System across all ministries and divisions is expected to bring about a significant improvement in the handling of legal cases. By ensuring that all legal matters are tracked and managed effectively, the government can reduce the risk of losing cases due to procedural delays. This, in turn, will help to protect the government’s interests and ensure that its decisions are upheld in court.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive also serves as a warning to government officials that negligence in handling legal cases will not be tolerated. The PMO has made it clear that any official found responsible for failing to file ICAs or CPLAs within the stipulated period will face punitive action. This is intended to instill a sense of responsibility and urgency among officials, ensuring that they take the necessary steps to protect the government’s legal interests.
The broader implications of this directive are likely to be felt across all government departments. By prioritizing the timely filing of appeals and the effective management of legal cases, the government is signaling its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that its decisions are not overturned due to procedural lapses. This move is also expected to enhance the overall efficiency of the government’s legal affairs, reducing the burden on courts and tribunals by ensuring that cases are resolved more swiftly.
