Chief Justice hints at retirement

Chief Justice Muthasim Adnan has hinted at his impending retirement while speaking at a swearing-in ceremony for new lawyers at the Bar Council Monday.

His remarks have fuelled speculation that his long and distinguished career in the judiciary may soon come to an end.

"My voice is also very soft now. I apologise for that. I would like to say first of all that I am very old now. It is just appropriate that I should not be seen in this capacity in such a session anymore," the Chief Justice remarked during his speech.

Rumours about his retirement had been circulating since last year, and his recent comments appear to confirm that he is considering stepping down in the near future. The Chief Justice has been an integral part of the legal profession for 32 years and has witnessed significant changes in the field during his tenure.

Reflecting on his career, Chief Justice Adnan stated, "I have been in this work for 32 years. If you look back at the last 32 years, when I entered the legal profession, things were not in order like this. There were very few defence lawyers initially."

He also took the opportunity to impart wisdom to the new generation of lawyers, emphasising the importance of confidentiality and trust in legal practice.

"When we started working, the advice of senior lawyers at the time was to keep it confidential. It's not just about going to court and advocating. The client should have confidence in the lawyer. That's the advice I want to give," he said.

The Chief Justice's health has also been a concern in recent months. He was admitted to the hospital in late December due to health complications and received treatment for recurring pain. Despite his health issues, he continues to play a pivotal role in the judiciary.

Notably, on the same day as his remarks, a significant case concerning constitutional amendments was heard by a full bench of seven Supreme Court judges, including Chief Justice Adnan.