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" OUSTER OF JURISDICTION OF OUSTER OF JURISDICTION OF COURTS IN PAKISTAN By Muhammad Usman Ramzan, Deputy Solicitor Punjab, Jurisdiction is the basis of all the legal proceedings. The term 'jurisdiction' refers to the legal authority to administer justice in accordance with the means provided by the law and subject to the limitations imposed by law. It is primarily related to the power of the court to hear, determine and adjudicate a cause by exercising its judicial power and authority. The jurisdiction is so important that a court cannot proceed further in a matter unless it has the jurisdiction to adjudicate the matter. If a court wrongly assumes jurisdiction, then such proceedings are nullity in the eye of law. It is well known principle of law that the courts are established by law and the jurisdiction is also conferred on the courts by law. The establishment and jurisdiction of the courts is essential legislative function as enshrined in Article 175 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973. A court can only be established by duly enacted law of the legislature rather than by means of an executive order and same rule applies so far as conferring of jurisdiction on courts is concerned. The Article 175 of the Constitution describes that there shall be a Supreme Court of Pakistan, a High Court for each province and a High Court for Islamabad Capital Territory and such other courts as may be established by law and no court shall have any jurisdiction save as is or may be conferred on it by the Constitution or by or under any law. But, sometimes the jurisdiction of the courts is barred by law which is commonly known as ouster of jurisdiction. Section 9 of Code of Civil Procedure 1908 states that the Courts shall (subject to the provisions herein…