Lahore High Court: Overview
The Lahore High Court is the provincial judiciary based in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. This court has jurisdiction over the entire province of Punjab, with its main seat in Lahore and additional benches located in Rawalpindi, Multan, and Bahawalpur.
There was a proposal from the legal community to establish new high court benches in the divisions of Faisalabad, Sialkot, D.G. Khan, and Gujranwala. However, the full court of the Lahore High Court rejected this request.
Establishment
The Lahore High Court was established on 21 March 1882, making it one of the oldest high courts in Pakistan with a rich history spanning 142 years.
Jurisdiction
The Lahore High Court has jurisdiction over the entire Punjab province. It serves as the appellate court for decisions made by the district courts within Punjab.
Location
- Principal Seat: Lahore-54000
- Circuit Benches: Bahawalpur, Multan, and Rawalpindi
The main seat of the Lahore High Court is located in Lahore, with additional circuit benches in Bahawalpur, Multan, and Rawalpindi to facilitate access to justice across the province.
Composition Method
Judges of the Lahore High Court are appointed based on recommendations from the Judicial Commission of Pakistan. This ensures that the judges are qualified and suitable for their positions.
Authorization
The Lahore High Court operates under the authority of the Constitution of Pakistan, which outlines its powers, structure, and functions, ensuring its legitimacy and operational framework.
Appeals
- Appeals to: Supreme Court of Pakistan
- Appeals from: District Courts of Punjab
The Lahore High Court serves as an appellate court for decisions from the district courts of Punjab. Its decisions can be further appealed to the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Judge Term Length
Judges of the Lahore High Court serve until they reach the age of 62, ensuring a balance between experience and the introduction of new perspectives within the judiciary.
Number of Positions
The court consists of 60 judicial positions, including the Chief Justice and other judges, to handle the caseload effectively across the province.
Chief Justice of Lahore High Court
The current Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court is Aalia Neelum, who took office on 11 July 2024. She oversees the court’s operations and ensures the delivery of justice.
Website
The Lahore High Court maintains an official website (lhc.gov.pk) where the public can access information regarding court proceedings, judgments, and other relevant details, enhancing transparency and accessibility.