Not Implementing Policy for Deceased Employees’ Children Violates Justice: SC

The Supreme Court of Pakistan set aside a Sindh High Court decision regarding the employment of children of deceased National Bank employees. The apex court criticized delays and policy violations in the handling of the petitions.

The Sindh High Court had earlier rejected the constitutional petitions filed by affected families. The Supreme Court ruled that this decision was not sustainable under existing policies.

The court directed the president of the National Bank of Pakistan to decide all pending petitions within three months. These petitions, filed in 2019 and 2022, must follow the policy in force at the time of filing.

The Supreme Court noted that the petitions had remained pending for years without any response from the bank. Such inaction, the court said, amounted to a denial of justice to the families.

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The court clarified that judicial decisions apply prospectively unless explicitly stated otherwise. Since the 2011 policy governed these cases, decisions must follow its framework.

The apex court emphasized that failing to follow the relevant policy violates principles of justice. Dependents of deceased employees cannot be ignored through administrative delays or misapplied policies.

The three-member bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, delivered the verdict. The ruling provides clear guidance on timely decision-making and adherence to policies in compassionate employment cases.