Following the resignation of two senior judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, including Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi and Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Mansoor is set to become the most senior judge on the Supreme Court.
On March 10, 2024, Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, the second-most senior judge in the hierarchy, is set to retire. Following Justice Ijaz's resignation and Justice Sardar Tariq's retirement, Justice Mansoor will ascend to become the most senior judge on the Supreme Court.
Additionally, with Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa's anticipated retirement on October 25, 2024, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah is poised to step into the role of Chief Justice. These developments mark significant changes in the leadership structure of the Supreme Court.
Who is Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah
Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah embarked on his illustrious legal journey after attending Aitchison College in Lahore. His academic pursuits led him to the University of Cambridge, UK, where he earned his law degree. Additionally, he obtained a Master's degree in Economics from the University of the Punjab.
As a corporate litigator, Justice Shah made significant contributions during his tenure as a partner at AFRID, SHAH & MINALLAH. His focus on public interest litigation showcased a commitment to environmental issues and sustainable development.
Justice Shah's dedication to legal education is evident through his almost two-decade-long teaching career. He imparted his expertise at prestigious institutions such as Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Pakistan College of Law, and Punjab Law College. Notably, he played a pivotal role in establishing the law school at LUMS, now known as the Syed Ahmed Hassan School of Law & Policy (SAHSOL).
Judicial Reforms and Leadership:
Having ascended to the bench at the Lahore High Court in 2009, Justice Shah's leadership was recognized as he served as the Chief Justice for nearly two years. His tenure was marked by a strong commitment to judicial reforms and innovation.
As Chief Justice, he spearheaded the formation of ADRC in Punjab, providing an alternative to litigation to address chronic backlogs and case pendency.
Introducing Case Management and Court Automation Systems in Punjab, including Lahore High Court and District Courts, showcased his vision for a transparent, smart, and fully connected judicial system.
Justice Shah championed the installation of the first-ever Enterprise IT System with the assistance of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). Online Call Centres, Judicial Mobile Apps, and Sahulat Centers were established to enhance access to justice for litigants and lawyers.
Vision for Judicial Governance:
Justice Shah underscores the need for Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Video Linking, and restructuring the District Judiciary as engines of change for state-of-the-art judicial governance.
His emphasis on enhancing the capacity of the District Judiciary through training and creating a secure working environment, especially for women judges, reflects a commitment to a robust and inclusive judicial system.
Recognizing the need for an improved quality and speed of justice dispensation, Justice Shah advocates for an increase in judge per capita.
Contributions at Supreme Court:
At the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Justice Shah played a crucial role in establishing e-courts by video linking the Principal Seat with Provincial Registries, saving travel costs and enhancing efficiency.
The introduction of the SC Judicial Mobile Application streamlined access to cause lists and court rosters, facilitating lawyers and litigants.
Justice Shah's commitment to research and scholarship led to the establishment of the Supreme Court Research Centre (SCRC), nurturing bright Civil Judges from across Pakistan.
International Engagements and Honors:
Justice Shah's global engagements include being an accredited mediator from CEDR, London, an Honorary Bencher of Lincoln’s Inn, UK, a judicial member of the Global Judicial Institute on Environment (GJIE), a member of Global Constitutionalism (Yale University, 2020 ), and a Member of the Rhodes Scholarship Committee for Pakistan (2019 ).
Personal Interests:
An avid golfer and sports enthusiast, Justice Shah finds joy in activities such as cycling, reading, traveling, and music.
Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah stands as a distinguished legal figure, blending a rich academic background, extensive legal expertise, and a visionary approach to judicial governance and reforms.
