SC Clarifies: No Exemption Sought for Body Searches of Judges’ Spouses
In a recent development, the Supreme Court of Pakistan clarified its position on an alleged request for immunity from body searches for the spouses of serving judges at airports.
The clarification follows the emergence of a leaked letter in the media, raising concerns about the timing and nature of the Supreme Court’s communication.
Contrary to initial reports suggesting a plea for exemption, the Supreme Court’s Registrar’s Office clarified that the court had merely highlighted an inconsistency in security protocols.
Dated September 21, 2023, the letter, addressed to the Aviation Division Secretary and ASF Director General, pointed out that while spouses of retired judges enjoy an exemption from body searches, the same privilege was not extended to spouses of serving judges.
Expressing surprise at the letter’s untimely leakage, especially after Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and his wife, Serena Isa, departed for winter vacations, the court emphasized the need for full disclosure and requested the release of its original letter to correct misconceptions.
“The body search exemption rule was not made by the Supreme Court, nor was an exemption sought,” clarified the SC registrar’s letter. It acknowledged that the government had resolved the noted anomaly but provided no details on the resolution. Additionally, the court dismissed concerns about a security breach, stating, “Neither the ASF nor the government of Pakistan is concerned about the security breach.”
The apex court also released its September 21 letter to shed light on the matter, urging transparency in the dissemination of information. The court revealed that body search exemption cards for judges’ spouses had not been received, dispelling any perceptions of preferential treatment.
Addressing speculation, the Supreme Court stated that Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and his wife underwent regular security procedures during their departure on December 16, 2023.
Mrs. Isa voluntarily underwent a search by a female ASF officer, with CCTV footage at the airport available to confirm the process. The court affirmed that neither Justice Isa nor his wife sought or received any special exemptions.
Furthermore, the statement highlighted Chief Justice Isa’s decision to decline protocol and VIP amenities offered at the Islamabad International Airport, including the use of the VIP lounge and a luxury limousine.
As the clarification surfaces, questions arise about the timing and motivations behind the leaked letter, emphasizing the need for transparency in handling sensitive information within the judiciary.
