ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Supreme Court of Pakistan has dismissed a delayed appeal filed by the federal government in a service-related matter, declaring it time-barred and rejecting the plea for condonation of delay.
In a strongly worded ruling, Justice Ayesha Malik observed that the government would be treated like any ordinary litigant before the court.
She stated that the state is not a special or unique party and must comply with the same legal requirements imposed on citizens.
The court emphasized that while the state expects citizens to follow the law, it cannot seek exemptions for itself on administrative grounds.
The bench rejected the government’s request to excuse a 20-day delay in filing the appeal, noting that internal office procedures or administrative hurdles cannot override statutory time limits.
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Government’s argued that, the delay occurred because files remained pending in the office due to the transfer of an officer, which resulted in the appeal being filed 20 days after the prescribed 60-day deadline.
However, the apex court ruled that shortages of officials or delays in convening departmental meetings are internal issues for which the government itself is responsible.
The judgment further stated that the state cannot shift the burden of its inefficiency onto the judiciary, nor can bureaucratic sluggishness be allowed to prejudice the opposing party.
The court underscored that adherence to the law is not subject to the convenience of officials but must remain bound by discipline and legal obligation.
With this decision, the Supreme Court reinforced the principle that the rule of law applies equally to all, including the government itself.