—File Photo

The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday suspended all high-court cases related to under-trail prisoners over the coronavirus outbreak across the country

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed heard the appeal against IHC order regarding release of under trial prisoners due to threat of coronavirus spread.

During the hearing, CJP Gulzar Ahmed questioned under what pretence did the IHC give orders to release the prisoners. “How can the high courts take a suo-motu notice,” CJP Gulzar remarked.

The SC also declared decisions of other high courts of the country as invalid in this context. The SC in its interim order has directed the concerned authorities not to release any prisoner till final decision in the case.

The apex court declared the release of 408 prisoners by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) amid coronavirus pandemic as ‘null and void’. The top court also barred the high courts and the provincial governments from passing any order regarding release of prisoners.

The Supreme Court also suspended the operation of IHC orders regarding the release of under trial prisoners.

In a notice to the federal government, advocates, IG Islamabad, provincial home secretaries, IG jails and prosecutor general of the National Accountability Bureau ordered the hearing of any under-trial prisoners.

The hearing was adjourned till Wednesday.