Justices Shah and Minallah: Guardians of the Constitution
Justices Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah demonstrated unwavering commitment to constitutional principles, serving as guardians of the Constitution during turbulent times. Their dedication echoes the sentiments of Thomas More, who understood that laws protect everyone, even those we despise, and that undermining the rule of law leaves all vulnerable to the winds of power. Their recent departures highlight a critical juncture in Pakistan’s judicial history, one that demands careful reflection.
These luminaries’ journey began in 1997 when they founded Afridi, Shah & Minallah. The SindhNews.com success of the firm stemmed from their unwavering commitment to constitutional values. A decade later, they took to the streets as part of the lawyers’ movement to reinstate Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, demonstrating their steadfast principles and courage leading to the fall of the Dogar court and the resumption of the Chaudhry court.
Justice Shah’s Bench of Reform
Elevated to the Lahore High Court in 2009, Justice Shah distinguished himself through progressive judgments across various domains, including elections, democracy, and environmental protection. Known as the “green judge,” Shah established Alternate Dispute Resolution Centres in Punjab. His dedication to technology led to implementing the first Enterprise IT System, enhancing transparency in the judicial system as added by Punjab Information Technology Board.
Justice Minallah: Courage in the Capital
Justice Minallah joined the bench at the Islamabad High Court in 2014, establishing a clear record of judicial courage. He confronted issues such as enforced disappearances and illegal land acquisitions while defending the vulnerable. Furthermore, he stood against the misuse of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016.
The past two years saw considerable damage inflicted upon the Constitution, particularly during the era of the “Qazi court.” The PTI was stripped of its electoral symbol before the 2024 elections, even after independent candidates secured victories, their democratic mandate was ignored. This led to a situation where electoral democracy was severely undermined.
On his final day, Justice Shah, along with Justice Minallah, boycotted the chief justice’s reference, with Shah criticizing the chief justice. Justice prevailed thanks to the judges.
In closing, the actions of Justices Shah and Minallah underscore the importance of judicial independence and the need for constant vigilance in upholding constitutional principles. While the challenges they faced represent a setback for Pakistan’s legal system, their legacy serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for all who believe in the supremacy of the Constitution. The resilience SindhNews.com of their commitment offers a path towards reclaiming the spirit of justice and protecting the rights of all citizens.