Justice Mansoor Ali Shah Resignation Sparks Constitutional Crisis in Pakistan
On November 13, 2025, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah resignation shocked Pakistan’s legal community and set off a constitutional crisis. A respected senior judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Justice Shah resigned in protest against the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which he called a “grave assault” on judicial independence. His decision, following the resignation of Justice Athar Minallah, has caused widespread concern about the future of Pakistan’s judiciary.
Why Did Justice Mansoor Ali Shah Resign? The 27th Constitutional Amendment Controversy
The crux of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah resignation lies in his strong opposition to the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Passed just days before his departure, this amendment seeks to establish a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), raising alarms within the legal community. Justice Shah argued that this new court would undermine the Supreme Court’s powers, potentially placing it under the influence of the executive and fragmenting the judicial system. He firmly believed the FCC would erode judicial independence and reduce the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction over constitutional matters.
In his detailed 13-page resignation letter, Justice Shah stated that staying in a “truncated and diminished court” would amount to silent acquiescence to what he described as a constitutional wrong. The Justice Mansoor Ali Shah resignation was not just an exit, but a powerful stand against what he viewed as a direct threat to the integrity of Pakistan’s legal system.
The Call for Judicial Unity: Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s Protest Against Constitutional Changes
Before resigning, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah had actively called for judicial unity to confront the 27th Amendment. He urged Chief Justice Yahya Afridi to convene a full court meeting with all constitutional court judges (including Supreme Court, High Courts, and the Federal Shariat Court) to discuss the amendment’s implications. He advocated for a collective judicial response and formal consultation with the executive before any amendment affecting the judiciary was finalized. The failure to address his call ultimately led to the Justice Mansoor Ali Shah resignation.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah Resignation: A Loss to Pakistan’s Legal Landscape
The resignation of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah is a profound loss to Pakistan’s judiciary. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2018, Justice Shah previously served as the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court (LHC) from 2016 to 2018. Throughout his career, he was known for his progressive judicial reforms and staunch defense of judicial independence.
Key Highlights of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s Career:
Institutional Reform: As Chief Justice of the LHC, he introduced significant reforms, advocating for technology in judicial processes and enhancing transparency. His efforts helped reduce the growing backlog of cases and improved the efficiency of the court system.
Environmental Law: A pioneer in environmental law, Justice Shah established the Green Benches at the LHC to address environmental issues like pollution and sustainability. He authored landmark judgments protecting Pakistan’s environment.
Constitutional Advocacy: Justice Shah was an advocate for human rights and the rule of law. He regularly challenged government actions and upheld the supremacy of the Constitution in his rulings.
The Political and Legal Fallout of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s Resignation
The resignation of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah alongside Justice Athar Minallah has plunged Pakistan’s legal system into turmoil. The Chief Justice Yahya Afridi has called for an urgent full court meeting to discuss the implications of the 27th Constitutional Amendment and the resignations. This crisis highlights the growing divide between the judiciary and the executive, as well as the threat to judicial independence.
Justice Shah’s resignation serves as a critical statement against the compromise of judicial independence in Pakistan, and it marks a defining moment for the country’s legal future.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s Resignation and the Future of Judicial Independence
The Justice Mansoor Ali Shah resignation has triggered a wave of concern regarding the future of judicial independence in Pakistan. His principled departure, along with the resignation of Justice Athar Minallah, underscores the judiciary’s serious reservations about the 27th Constitutional Amendment and its potential consequences for Pakistan’s constitutional framework.
As the judiciary navigates this crisis, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s resignation will continue to be remembered as a stand for the supremacy of the Constitution and the protection of judicial independence. His departure raises crucial questions about the balance of power between the executive and the judiciary in Pakistan’s political system.
Conclusion: The Impact of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s Resignation on Pakistan’s Legal System
The Justice Mansoor Ali Shah resignation has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s legal and political landscape. His stand against the 27th Constitutional Amendment and his call for judicial unity have ignited a nationwide debate on the future of judicial independence. As Pakistan’s highest courts grapple with the aftermath of this unprecedented resignation, the legacy of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah will undoubtedly shape the future of judicial reforms and constitutional protections in Pakistan.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah Resignation
27th Constitutional Amendment
Supreme Court of Pakistan
Judicial Independence
Chief Justice Yahya Afridi
Federal Constitutional Court (FCC)
Pakistan Judiciary Crisis
Justice Athar Minallah Resignation
Judicial Unity
Constitutional Crisis in Pakistan
Pakistan Legal System
Judicial Reforms in Pakistan
Environmental Law Pakistan
Green Benches Pakistan
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