Judiciary in Modern World: Speedy dispensation of justice stressed

Justice Shah says occasional strikes by lawyers was a reason for delay in hearing of cases

LAHORE: Both speakers at a session on Justice at Your Doorsteps and the Judiciary in Modern World agreed that there should be no delay in dispensation of justice to the litigants.

Sir William Blackburne, a retired judge of the High Court of England and Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah spoke at the occasion.

On delay in hearing of cases, Justice Shah said lawyers frequently sought adjournment of hearing requesting that they were busy with other cases. He said occasional strikes by lawyers also affected timely hearing of cases.

Justice Shah said there should be no strikes during work hours. He said most litigants had to come to the courts from far flung areas to attend hearing of their cases.

Sir William Blackburne said courts run on taxpayers’ money. No one should be allowed to waste their time and cause unnecessary delay in dispensation of justice.

He said that for a trial to be concluded in the shortest possible time judges should be prompt, competent and meticulous in their work.

He said in England the practice of the courts was to conclude trials in two months.

Justice Shah said some measures had been taken to make the judicial system more efficient. He said automation of case records was underway in several districts.

On judicial activism and suo mottu action, Justice Shah said judges should refrain from intervening in matters of public policy.

Sir Blackburne said he supported judicial activism if it referred to judges being innovative in their judgments. He said he did not support any other interpretation of judicial activism.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2^nd, 2016.