Islamabad: The Federal Shariat Court (Supreme Court) has annulled a Sindh High Court decision that allowed a student to sit in a special “super supplementary” exam, emphasizing that judges must rule based on law, not personal feelings or sympathy.

The case involved a student of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, who missed the annual exam due to a kidney transplant and could not attend the supplementary exam for medical reasons. The student filed two requests with the university’s vice-chancellor, both of which were rejected. He then approached the Sindh High Court under Article 199 of the Constitution, which granted him permission to take the special exam.

During the hearing at the Federal Shariat Court, the bench remarked that high courts cannot replace law with personal morals or sympathy. The court clarified that legal decisions cannot be based on emotions, personal beliefs, or political considerations. Judges are required to administer justice fearlessly and impartially, strictly following the law.

The court further highlighted that Pakistan is a state governed by the Constitution, not individuals, and judges act as neutral arbiters. Favoring sympathy over legal duty is a deviation from judicial responsibility. High courts, as constitutional creations, have limited powers under Article 199 and can exercise only those powers granted by the Constitution or law.