As a practising lawyer in Sindh, I have witnessed firsthand the frustrations of litigants and the general public with the slow pace of our criminal justice system. Despite having a robust framework for criminal law, unnecessary adjournments and delays have become a major hindrance to justice. The recent amendment to the criminal law, approved by the federal cabinet, is a welcome step towards addressing these concerns.
The amendment aims to curb delays by empowering courts to decide matters within a specified timeframe. Lower courts are now required to dispose of cases within a year, with the relevant High Court held accountable in case of delays. This move is expected to bring a sense of urgency and accountability to the judicial process.
Another significant aspect of the amendment is the increased reliance on modern evidence, such as CCTV footage, mobile phone records, etc. This will enable investigators to build stronger cases and bring the accused to justice more efficiently. The amendment also allows for the recording of evidence from vulnerable witnesses, such as women, children and individuals with disabilities, at a place of their convenience.
While the amendment is a step in the right direction, its success will depend on the willingness of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to implement it effectively. As a lawyer, I have seen instances where prosecutors have struggled to point out deficiencies in police reports due to lack of expertise and experience.
The road to justice is often long and arduous, but with this amendment, there is hope that the system will become more efficient and responsive to the needs of litigants. As we move forward, it is essential to monitor the implementation of this amendment and make adjustments as needed to ensure that justice is served in a timely and effective manner.
Riaz Ali Panhwar
Hyderabad
