Latest news with #Litigation
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
CJP stresses cooperation between bench and bar
KARACHI: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi on Tuesday reaffirmed the essential partnership between the Bench and the Bar, describing it as the foundation of the country's justice system. He made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation of the Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) at the Supreme Court Branch Registry in Karachi. Justice Afridi was accompanied by Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court Justice Junaid Ghaffar. The SHCBA delegation was led by its President Barrister Muhammad Sarfraz Ali Metlo, and included Vice President Muhammad Rahib Lakho, Honorary Secretary Mirza Sarfraz Ahmed, and several other members of the managing committee, as well as, former SHCBA President Rehan Aziz Malik. Welcoming the delegation, Justice Afridi stressed that the delivery of justice cannot be achieved in isolation and depends on the strength of cooperation between the judiciary and the legal fraternity. He reiterated that no external pressure or influence would be allowed to undermine this relationship, which he described as vital and non-negotiable. The Chief Justice briefed the delegation on the reform agenda currently under way under the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP), highlighting measures aimed at the welfare and empowerment of lawyers. He emphasised that the reforms were designed through a consultative process with active input from the Bar, reflecting a shared vision for strengthening the justice sector. Among the initiatives discussed was solarisation of bar premises, establishment of e-libraries to facilitate lawyers in remote areas, and integration of technology to enhance institutional capacity. Justice Afridi also outlined key decisions taken in recent meetings of the LJCP and the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC), both of which he chairs. He spoke of efforts to address the issue of enforced disappearances through the creation of a dedicated committee, as well as directives issued to High Courts to safeguard judges from undue external influences. He detailed structural reforms such as the establishment of Commercial Litigation Corridors and Model Criminal Trial Courts to ensure swift adjudication, and the setting of timelines for the disposal of thirteen categories of cases. Other reforms included piloting a Double-Docket Court Regime to address backlog, institutionalizing court-annexed mediation, and launching a Professional Excellence Index to assess and improve judicial performance. Additionally, the NJPMC has formed a committee to standardize recruitment, training, and service conditions within the district judiciary. In response, Barrister Metlo thanked the Chief Justice for the reforms and acknowledged the inclusion of the legal community in policy-making processes. He presented the challenges faced by the Bar and proposed the establishment of Model Civil Courts to address the oldest pending civil cases, which he said continue to burden litigants and courts alike. Justice Afridi appreciated the proposal and assured the delegation that it would be considered seriously by the relevant forums. The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to enhance judicial transparency, efficiency, and public trust in the legal system, underlining the indispensable role of both the Bench and the Bar in ensuring justice for all. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Associated Press
30-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
WELLS FARGO (WFC) ALERT: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is Investigating Wells Fargo on Behalf of Long-Term Stockholders and Encourages Investors to Contact the Firm
Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. Litigation Partner Brandon Walker Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options If you are a long-term stockholder in Wells Fargo between February 24, 2021 to June 9, 2022 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Bragar Eagel & Squire partner Brandon Walker or Marion Passmore directly at (212) 355-4648. NEW YORK, July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized shareholder rights law firm, is investigating potential claims against Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) on behalf of long-term stockholders following a class action complaint that was filed against Wells Fargo on June 28, 2022 with a Class Period from February 24, 2021 to June 9, 2022. Our investigation concerns whether the board of directors of Wells Fargo have breached their fiduciary duties to the company. In 2020, Wells Fargo expanded its so-called 'Diverse Search Requirement,' also referred to as a diverse slate hiring policy, requiring that at least 50% of interview candidates must represent a historically underrepresented group with respect to at least one diversity dimension (including race/ethnicity, gender, LGBTQ, veterans, and people with disabilities) for most posted roles in the U.S. with total direct compensation greater than $100,000 per year. In addition, at least one interviewer on the hiring panel must represent a historically underrepresented group with respect to at least one diversity dimension. On May 19, 2022, the New York Times published an article entitled 'At Wells Fargo, a Quest to Increase Diversity Leads to Fake Job Interviews.' Citing discussions with 'seven current and former Wells Fargo employees,' including Joe Bruno, a former executive in the Company's wealth management division, the article reported, in relevant part, that '[f]or many open positions, employees would interview a 'diverse' candidate,' but that 'often, the so-called diverse candidate would be interviewed for a job that had already been promised to someone else.' The article further reported that Mr. Bruno was fired after 'complain[ing] to his bosses' about the practice. On this news, Wells Fargo's common stock price fell $-.44 per share, or 1.04%, over two trading sessions, closing at $41.67 per share on May 20, 2022. On June 6, 2022, Reuters published an article entitled 'Wells Fargo Pauses Diverse Slate Hiring Policy after Reports of Fake Job Interviews.' The article reported that 'Wells Fargo… is pausing a hiring policy that requires recruiters to interview a diverse pool of candidates, after the New York Times reported such interviews were often fake and conducted even though the job had already been promised to someone else.' The same article also reported that '[t]he bank also plans to conduct a review of its diverse slate guidelines, Chief Executive Officer Charles Scharf told staff on Monday, according to a memo seen by Reuters.' Then, on June 9, 2022, the New York Times published an article entitled 'Federal Prosecutors Open Criminal Inquiry of Wells Fargo's Hiring Practices.' The article reported that federal prosecutors are investigating whether Wells Fargo violated federal laws by conducting fake job interviews in order to meet the Company's Diverse Search Requirement. The article also revealed that, since the New York Times ' May 19, 2022 article focusing on the bank's wealth management business, 'another 10 current and former employees have shared stories about how they were subject to fake interviews, or conducted them, or saw paperwork documenting the practice,' and that 'sham interviews occurred across multiple business lines, including its mortgage servicing, home lending and retail banking operations.' That same day, Wells Fargo issued a press release entitled 'Wells Fargo Response to New York Times Article,' which confirmed that '[e]arlier this week, the [C]ompany temporarily paused the use of its diverse slate guidelines,' and that, '[d]uring this pause, the [C]ompany is conducting a review so that hiring managers, senior leaders and recruiters fully understand how the guidelines should be implemented – and so we have confidence that our guidelines live up to their promise.' Following these disclosures, Wells Fargo's common stock price fell $3.68 per share, or 8.62%, over the following two trading sessions, closing at $38.99 per share on June 13, 2022. The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Wells Fargo had misrepresented its commitment to diversity in the Company's workplace; (ii) Wells Fargo conducted fake job interviews in order to meet its Diverse Search Requirement; (iii) the foregoing conduct subjected Wells Fargo to an increased risk of regulatory and/or governmental scrutiny and enforcement action, including criminal charges; (iv) all of the foregoing, once revealed, was likely to negatively impact Wells Fargo's reputation; and (v) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. If you are a long-term stockholder of Wells Fargo, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Brandon Walker or Marion Passmore by email at [email protected], by telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out this contact form. There is no cost or obligation to you. About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York and California. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook, and keep up with other news by following Brandon Walker, Esq. on LinkedIn and X. Contact Information: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. Brandon Walker, Esq. Marion Passmore, Esq. (212) 355-4648 [email protected]
Business Recorder
12-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Tax, financial matters: CPs to be decided by HC Div benches: NJPMC
ISLAMABAD: The National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC) decided that all constitutional petitions pertaining to tax and financial matters shall be heard and decided by division benches of the High Courts instead of a single bench. It also reaffirmed its commitment to a progressive, transparent and responsive judicial system, rooted in constitutional values and guided by the rule of law. The 53rd NJPMC meeting was held on Friday at the Supreme Court of Pakistan under the chairmanship of Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi. It was attended by the chief justices of all the High Courts, while additional attorney general for Pakistan attended on special invitation. Separate benches formed for early disposal of tax cases: CJP The committee deliberated on key policy issues and adopted several significant measures to improve judicial performance, technology integration in judicial processes and citizen-centric justice delivery. The NJPMC took serious notice of the enforced disappearances and unanimously, resolved that the judiciary would not compromise on its constitutional duty to safeguard fundamental rights. A dedicated committee was constituted to formulate an institutional response, after taking into consideration concerns of the Executive, to be communicated through the attorney general for Pakistan. The committee also decided to protect judicial officers from external influence and asked the High Courts to establish structured mechanisms for reporting and redressal of such instances within a stipulated timeframe. To improve the commercial dispute resolution landscape, the NJPMC approved the establishment of Commercial Litigation Corridor, with specialised courts and benches. In line with its commitment to expeditious justice, the committee endorsed the piloting of a Double-Docket Court Regime in select districts on need basis with optional participation. The framework for Model Criminal Trial Courts was also approved to address long-pending criminal cases through time-bound trials and optimised judicial resources. In a major step towards strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), the committee approved launch of a court-annexed mediation regime as a pilot project. This includes the establishment of district mediation facilities, family court mediation centres and standardised SOPs for operational purposes. To ensure consistency and excellence in the district judiciary, the NJPMC constituted a committee headed by former Justice Rehmat Hussain Jafferi, former judge Supreme Court of Pakistan comprising chief justice, High Court of Balochistan, the registrars of High Courts and director general Federal Judicial Academy to recommend key performance indicators aligned with international benchmarks, standardised recruitment and training mechanisms, address disparities in service conditions and propose a framework for the District Judiciary Policy Forum as well as overseas exposure opportunities for judges. The committee also approved the development of a Professional Excellence Index for talent hunt of lawyers for induction in judiciary and asked the High Courts to finalise their models within 30 days. The ethical and policy implications of using generative AI in judicial functions were discussed, and the National Judicial Automation Committee (NJAC) was asked to finalise a comprehensive charter on ethical use of AI in this regard. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Jockey Grant van Niekerk seizes his shot at Durban July glory after late scratching
JOCKEY Grant van Niekerk relishing the chance to ride a less fancied Litigation in the Durban July main race. | Pexels. In a twist of fate that seems almost scripted, jockey Grant van Niekerk finds himself in the spotlight as he celebrates his 34th birthday and a chance at victory in this year's Hollywoodbets Durban July. Just days before the prestigious event, van Niekerk had lamented the fact that he did not have a ride after the announcement of the 18-horse field for the iconic race. His aspirations, however, were reignited when disappointment struck for another competitor. The ride on 'See it Again', trained by Michael Roberts, was withdrawn from the field due to an abnormal blood count, marking a significant blow to Roberts, who described the situation as a "bitter pill to swallow". This unexpected vacancy provided van Niekerk with an opportunity that few could have foreseen. He had previously expressed reluctance to benefit from another's misfortune, stating, "I did not wish to benefit from somebody else's disappointment," upon being lined up to ride one of the reserves. Just as he expressed those sentiments, the announcement came through that he had been booked to ride the first reserve, 'Litigation', trained by Sean Tarry. The timing could not be more serendipitous for van Niekerk, who now has a golden chance to add a Durban July victory to his impressive record. Despite three bittersweet second-place Durban July finishes since 2012, the determined Van Niekerk believes that this year, aboard his steed 'Litigation', he has a long shot at glory. 'It's a wonderful thing to be part of the Durban July field again,' Van Niekerk told Independent Media on Friday. 'It's come out of the blue, and for a change, I'm not riding one of the fancied horses.' His admission hints at a refreshing shift in perspective. Rather than bearing the weight of expectation from pundits and fans alike, Van Niekerk is embracing the opportunity of riding a less popular choice, contingent on the hope that a surprise outcome might await. In the field for the 129th edition of the Hollywoodbets Durban July, there are plenty of big names set to face the starter. Defending champion Oriental Charm, the Brett Crawford-trained four-year-old, returns to the site of last year's triumph beneath JP van der Merwe. Justin Snaith's superstar three-year-old Eight on Eighteen is the favourite and the biggest threat to Oriental Charm's crown. He is the red-hot favourite to lift the 2025 crown. The three-year-old superstar is a multiple Grade 1 winner. He has earned over R6 million in career stakes. He does have to contend with 57kgs. He is drawn in the middle of the field, and plenty can go wrong. However, with Richard Fourie in the irons, he has every chance of winning KZN's premier race. He cruised home in the Daily News 2000 by just under four lengths in his final prep run for this race and looks to have every chance.
The Citizen
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Litigation is ready for Durban July call up, says Tarry
Litigation gets into race after withdrawal of See It Again. Two-time Durban July winning trainer Sean Tarry did not hesitate for a moment on Tuesday to add Litigation to the final field for Saturday's renewal after the scratching of See It Again, who was withdrawn from the race due to an abnormal blood count. Litigation was the first reserve runner but will now step into starting stall No 15 for the Grade 1 race over 2200m at Hollywoodbets Greyville – the same gate allocated to Tarry's Cousin Casey last year, from which he finished in the runner-up spot. 'I'm happy to have Litigation in the race,' said Tarry. 'He's in good order and I'm sure he will give a good account of himself. 'To be honest, when I nominated the horse, I thought it might be tough to have him right on July day. But actually, as we got closer to the Cup Trial, I was amazed at how well he was doing.' Litigation ran fourth in the Grade 3 Cup Trial over 1800m at Greyville last month – his first run since the Grade 1 Cape Met back in January. 'I gave him a proper rest after the Met,' said Tarry. 'I thought we may run out of time to first of all qualify and secondly have him perfectly fit. But as it happened, it's all gone very nicely.' ALSO READ: Numbers add up to Eight On Eighteen for Durban July Tarry, who won the race in 2012 with Pomodoro and 2013 with Heavy Metal, is a regular face when it comes to the July. In 2023, he finished third with Bless My Stars and last year saw Cousin Casey finish second. 'Obviously we've ridden a few rodeos in our time. I've had some good results in the July and some good runs. 'Since I won the race, there may have been one or two years I missed in terms of having runners in the field, but I'm not sure,' said Tarry. 'Litigation has had a good preparation. He's obviously a big outsider, understandably so, and he's an older horse. He's had his chances but he is in good form. 'He's got a good weight and we can only hope. It's hard to say whether he can win it. His last run he did need quite badly and I thought it was a very good run. He certainly would have come on from that run.' At the age of six, Litigation finally gets a shot at the July. 'He has shown some good form at Greyville and I don't think he'll disgrace himself.' Litigation's first outing at Greyville was in the 2022 Greyville 1900 (Grade 2), when he finished 3.75-lengths behind Do It Again. That was, however, his last run for that season. Two years ago, he ran in both the Greyville 1900 as well as the Cup Trial but did not manage to place. It was then decided to geld this son of Greys Inn. 'He was gelded after his stint in the Cup Trial in 2023. He gave a good account of himself in the trial that year when finishing behind Winchester Mansion. He gave him a lot of weight. But it was obvious he needed to be gelded.' ALSO READ: What Durban July gallop poll revealed The big question is whether Litigation will finally get a Group 1 win on his résumé. 'Group 1 races for a horse like Litigation will always be a handicap. That's where he will have the best chance,' said Tarry. 'The July is the place where you can run in a Group 1 and also get weight. It will be his best chance of ever pulling it (a Group 1 win) off.' Although delighted to see Litigation in the final field, Tarry also feels for the connections of See It Again, trained by Michael Roberts. 'It's not nice for the other person to deal with the disappointment,' said Tarry. 'You don't want to have your fortune at the expense of someone else's misfortune, but that's the way the game sometimes works. It's the way life sometimes works. 'But I sort of had a feeling that there may be a scratching and that he (Litigation) could get a run. We were ready for the call-up, and we got it.'
