The Code of Conduct for Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts
On October 23, 2025, the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) of Pakistan officially notified the Code of Conduct for Judges of the Superior Judiciary in the Official Gazette of Pakistan, following the decisions taken in its meeting held on October 18, 2025. The notification, published under the powers conferred by Article 209(8) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, marks the formal publication of the revised Code in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary) for public and institutional information.
The Code of Conduct for Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts was originally framed by the Supreme Judicial Council on August 16, 1965, under Article 128(4) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1962, and has since undergone various amendments—now updated up to October 18, 2025—under Article 209(8) of the Constitution of 1973. The 2025 revision aims to rectify typographical errors in the original 1965 text, reword the first paragraph of Article VI (originally revised in 1967), include three of seven decisions approved in 2003, substitute Article V, and introduce a new Article XV designed to reinforce judicial independence and immunity from undue influence.
The Code of Conduct opens with a reaffirmation of the judiciary’s role as a living embodiment of justice and constitutional morality. It describes the prime duty of a judge as presenting before the public an image of national justice, guided by intellect, character, and the sacred trust of authority vested by Almighty Allah through the Constitution. It declares that justice in Pakistan is of divine origin and that the oath of a judge implies complete obedience to the Constitution and the law, requiring judges to ensure the maintenance of the rule of law over the full spectrum of national life.
Article I (General) establishes that equality and balance—referred to as equiponderance—are the foundation of justice, and it is the judge’s duty to ensure that equality prevails in all matters, removing any form of oppression or unjust burden.
Article II (Judicial Qualities) stipulates that a judge must be God-fearing, law-abiding, abstemious, wise, truthful, cautious, forbearing, and free from greed. Judges are instructed to remain composed, impartial, and courteous in court, preserving decorum while maintaining an equal demeanor toward all litigants and lawyers. They must be punctual in taking and leaving their seats, and their conduct must reflect dignity and formality.
Article IV directs judges to disqualify themselves from any case involving personal interest or where close relatives or friends have an interest. They must not engage in any business dealings with parties to a case, and if such a situation arises, must immediately withdraw. The article emphasizes that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, urging judges to avoid any appearance of partiality or personal advantage.
Article V—completely substituted by the SJC on October 18, 2025—prohibits judges from engaging in public controversies, speeches, writings, or debates, particularly on political matters, even if legal questions are involved. Judges are forbidden from interacting with the media, especially on issues that may affect institutional discipline or collegiality. If public allegations are made against a judge, they may submit the matter in writing to a committee comprising the Chief Justice of Pakistan and the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court through the Registrar for an institutional response. Judges must not discuss judicial or administrative matters publicly or make any personal communication public.
Article VI (as reworded in 1967) advises judges to avoid involvement in litigation on their own behalf or for others and refrain from participating in trade, industry, or speculative ventures. They must never use their office for personal gain and should avoid financial obligations that may compromise their impartiality.
Article VII instructs judges to generally avoid accepting extra-judicial duties or responsibilities, including elective positions in any organization.
Article VIII restricts judges to receiving gifts only from close relatives and friends, and only when customary. Any favors, benefits, or entertainment that may compromise impartiality must be refused, and judges must maintain detachment from potential litigants and partisan activity.
Article IX stresses maintaining harmony among judges of all courts. Disagreements must be expressed with courtesy and restraint to preserve the integrity of the institution of justice.
Article X directs judges to decide cases promptly, preventing unnecessary delays and minimizing litigants’ hardship through timely written judgments. Neglecting timely adjudication is deemed a serious fault and a breach of judicial duty.
Article XI (added July 11, 1991) forbids judges from supporting, in any manner, any unconstitutional authority, including taking or administering an oath under an illegal regime, reaffirming adherence to the oath prescribed in the Third Schedule of the Constitution.
Article XII (added October 4, 2003, approved October 18, 2025) prohibits judges of the superior courts from presiding over or attending social, cultural, political, or diplomatic functions, maintaining strict separation from external influences.
Article XIII (added October 4, 2003, approved October 18, 2025) defines that soliciting or accepting invitations from foreign or international agencies for conferences or meetings shall be treated as misconduct. Any such invitations received personally must be routed through the respective Chief Justice.
Article XIV (added October 4, 2003, approved October 18, 2025) forbids judges from accepting private dinner or reception invitations hosted by individual members of the Bar.
The newly added Article XV introduces a detailed mechanism to safeguard judges from external or internal influence. It mandates that a judge must not allow any consideration other than merit to affect judicial duty. Judges must demonstrate intellectual and moral integrity, using all lawful means to counter any influence. In cases where no legal power exists, a judge must seek an institutional response immediately and report in writing to the Chief Justice of the relevant High Court, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, and the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court through the respective registrars. The Chief Justice of the High Court is required to place the report before a three-judge committee within two days, which must reach a decision within a fortnight. If referred for judicial determination, the matter must be decided at the earliest in accordance with fair trial and due process. Should the committee or the Chief Justice fail to act within the stipulated timeframe, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, along with the four senior-most judges, will take up the matter.
The revised Code of Conduct also reaffirms that judges must remain independent, firm, and transparent in all judicial duties, avoiding any political, social, or economic pressures. It strengthens institutional mechanisms to ensure accountability, reinforces ethical conduct, and promotes the timely and impartial administration of justice.
By formally publishing the updated Code in the official Gazette, the Supreme Judicial Council has underscored its continued dedication to judicial integrity, independence, and discipline. These refinements reaffirm the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice in Pakistan is delivered without fear, favor, or prejudice, reflecting the sacred trust and divine principles embedded in the Constitution and the rule of law.
Note: The notification, numbered No.F.SECRETARY-01/2025/SJC, was issued from Islamabad on October 22, 2025, and signed by Suhail Muhammad Laghari, Secretary of the Supreme Judicial Council of Pakistan, stating that the full text of the Code shall be published in the Gazette.
