On July 1, the chief justice chaired meeting of the LHC Working Committee to look into the affairs of high court, its case management system and its administrative issues. PHOTO: LHC.GOV.PK
LAHORE: Last week, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah started his tenure as chief justice of Lahore High Court by announcing his resolve to rid the judiciary of corruption and lawyers hindering judicial processes.
Justice Mansoor, who took oath as the 45th chief justice of the LHC on June 28, said he envisioned transparency and accountability in the judicial system.
Soon after his address, 27 judicial officers were made OSD and an inquiry was launched against them over objectionable conduct. He also announced accountability for members of the bar who were hindering judicial proceedings. The chief justice formed a disciplinary committee, including him and six other judges, to take action against members of the bar in involved in tussles with judges.
He also constituted a Judicial Officers Supervisory Committee to protect rights of women judicial officers.
Addressing LHC officials, the chief justice said he expected their cooperation in enforcing reforms in the judiciary.
He suggested that a committee be formed to resolve budgeting and building problems of the court.
The chief justice said shortage of court staff would be resolved soon.
He said officials found guilty of misconduct or corruption would be removed from the institution. He also announced an internal auditing system for the LHC.
He said CCTV cameras would be installed at courtrooms to monitor security and ensure transparency.
“I want to promote equal opportunities for the people with disabilities and empower women in the judiciary,” he said.
The chief justice also met district and sessions judges and senior civil judges from across the province and discussed the reforms with them. He said he would be available to meet judicial officers two hours a week to hear their problems.
On June 29, the chief justice addressed representatives of bars from across the province.
He said there were some lawyers in the bar who brought a bad name to the profession. He said he had sought funds from the government for books, better infrastructure and information technology initiatives for the members of the bar.
The CJ also met a delegation of the provincial government. He asked them to cooperate on enforcement of court orders and urged them to address grievances of court staff.
On July 1, the chief justice chaired meeting of the LHC Working Committee to look into the affairs of high court, its case management system and its administrative issues.
On July 2, the chief justice chaired a full court meeting and approved Case Management Plan 2016 (CMP) which included centralised and multi-colour cause lists, formulation of time-specific dockets, constitution of special benches based on case categories, maintenance of three-month rosters, auditing of all pending cases, full day and specialised division benches and revision of objection sheet.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2016.
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