LHC releases new SOPs to guarantee the Special Messenger System’s efficiency and openness.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has released new and thorough Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to improve the efficiency and transparency of Special Messenger appointments, responsibilities, and management, per Chief Justice Ms. Aalia Neelum’s special directives.

Verifying land and property and promptly serving court notices are the main duties of Special Messengers.

The Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rawalpindi benches, as well as the Lahore Principal Seat, have all instantly adopted these new regulations.

According to the recently released SOPs, the relevant dealing assistant will assess if a Special Messenger is necessary and make sure that any fees that must be paid by the concerned party are submitted promptly. It may also be suggested to deploy multiple messengers if special messenger services are required outside of the city (greater than 50 km).

The approval procedure for designating Special Messengers has been made more open, according to the SOPs. After the Assistant Registrar or Supervisory Officer reviews the dealing assistant’s suggestion, it is sent to the Deputy Registrar, who will ultimately approve the appointment.

Stricter guidelines for the responsibilities and reporting requirements of Special Messengers are also imposed under the amended SOPs. They must provide a thorough report and make sure that notices are served prior to the court date. They will have to file a written request for an extension if they don’t submit their report on time; else, the court will be informed of their behaviour.

The fee and compensation structure is also made clearer by the new SOPs.

Special Messenger payments will be determined according on the type of service location, daily allowance, transportation allowance, and travel regulations. Fair rates that apply both within and outside of cities like Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rawalpindi will be used for these payments.

The system has been digitalised to make the entire process—from appointments to payments—more effective, transparent, and simplified. To ensure speed and transparency in financial administration, a specialised software system or module will be created to automate fee collection and payments to Special Messengers.

The Deputy Registrar may also choose officials with specialised knowledge to serve as Special Messengers for land and property verification, guaranteeing precision and competent supervision in delicate property-related issues.

The Lahore High Court has taken a major step towards improving the effectiveness, justice, and accountability of legal procedures with these thorough SOPs.