2024 SCLR 7
Other citations: 2023 SCP 348 = 2024 SCMR 40
[Supreme Court of Pakistan]
Present: Qazi Faez Isa, CJ, Amin-ud-Din Khan and Athar Minallah, JJ
[Application in respect of Property Dispute]
Human Right Case No. 8157-P of 2023, decided on 8th November, 2023.
HEADNOTE
Constitution of Pakistan —
— Art. 184 — Original jurisdiction of Supreme Court — Scope — The exercise of original power by the Supreme Court under Article 184(3) of the Constitution demands cautious consideration as its implications are profound — It is imperative to acknowledge that alternative forums may exist to address similar matters, and it is advisable for litigants to explore these avenues before approaching the apex court — Furthermore, appeals from High Court decisions can be brought before the Supreme Court under Article 185 of the Constitution, ensuring a structured legal process — However, direct intervention by the Supreme Court under Article 184(3) may potentially encroach upon the rights of other parties involved, necessitating a balanced approach to uphold justice while safeguarding individual liberties. [Para. No. 6]
Hafeez-ur-Rehman Ch., Advocate Supreme Court, Shaheryar Tariq, Advocate Supreme Court for the Applicant along with Moeez Ahmed Khan, Applicant.
Ch. Aamir Rehman, Addl. Attorney-General for Pakistan on Court’s call.
Date of hearing: 8th November, 2023.
ORDER
Qazi Faez Isa, CJ:—This is an application filed under Article 184(3) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (‘the Constitution’) by Mr. Moeez Ahmed Khan (‘the applicant’) and it levels serious allegations against the respondents.
2. The applicant has alleged that Lt. General Faiz Hameed, who was then serving in the Armed Forces and working with the Inter Services Intelligence (‘ISI’) misused his office, and on his directions crimes were committed against the applicant and his family, as under:
(1) Personnel of ISI and Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) raided the applicant’s residence and business offices;
(2) Detained the applicant and his family members;
(3) Robbed the applicant and his family members of their properties;
(4) Robbed the applicant of his business properties;
(5) Compelled the applicant to transfer his business – Dynast Associate/Top City Housing Scheme – into his nominees names;
(6) Had false cases registered against the applicant, his family and employees; and
(7) He and those under his command and Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) abused the powers of their offices while serving in the Armed Forces.
3. The respondent No. 1 is the ‘Federation of Pakistan through Secretary Defence’, respondents No. 2 to 4 are named officers of the Armed Forces, and they and respondent No. 5 were, at the relevant time, working in the ISI and respondent No. 6 are ‘100 unknown persons’.
4. We enquired from the learned counsel how Article 184(3) of the Constitution could be invoked in respect of a private complaint/grievance, how the application could be categorized as a matter of public importance and enforcement of which Fundamental Rights was sought. The learned Mr. Hafeez-ur-Rehman Ch. stated that the respondents No. 2 to 5 had violated the Fundamental Rights of the applicant when they used their important positions. He further states that no authority would entertain a complaint/grievance, let alone proceed against them.
5. The learned Additional Attorney-General for Pakistan (‘AAG’) was called upon to assist the Court and was enquired whether the applicant has any other adequate alternate remedy, and whether his apprehension that his complaint/grievance would not be heard is correct. The learned AAG stated that there are a number of remedies available to the applicant, including approaching the Ministry of Defence as the complaint/grievance pertains to a period when the said respondents were serving officers in the Armed Forces and/or to file a criminal case, including one for malicious prosecution, and/or to file a suit for damages, or to do all these. The learned AAG also stated that if a complaint is addressed to the Ministry of Defence of the Government of Pakistan it will be given due consideration.
6. The allegations are of an extremely serious nature, and if true, undoubtedly would undermine the reputation of the Federal Government, the Armed Forces, ISI and Pakistan Rangers, therefore, they cannot be left unattended. However, the nature of a case filed under Article 184(3) of the Constitution is different from other cases, for a number of reasons. Firstly, the Supreme Court under Article 184(3) of the Constitution exercises original power, and whenever original power is exercised it must be done cautiously. Secondly, where there exists other forum(s) to attend to the same it is best that they first do so. Thirdly, against the decision of a High Court appeals may come before this Court under Article 185 of the Constitution. Fourthly, direct intervention by this Court under Article 184(3) of the Constitution may adversely affect the rights of others.
7. However, the applicant apprehends that his complaint/grievance would not be entertained by the Ministry of Defence, because the said respondents had held senior positions in the Armed Forces. However, the learned AAG has assured us that the complaint/grievance will be given due consideration, and we have no reason to doubt this statement made on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, therefore, the apprehension of the applicant is misplaced. Accordingly, if the applicant submits a complaint/grievance to the Ministry of Defence of the Government of Pakistan, it shall be dealt with in accordance with law.
8. The applicant will also be at liberty to avail of the abovementioned, and any other legal remedies, in accordance with law.
9. This application is disposed of in the abovementioned terms.
Order accordingly