CJ’s address: ‘Lawyers’ movement restored democracy’

Reforms needed in lower courts, says Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary.

ISLAMABAD:

Democracy would not have been restored in the country, had lawyers, media and civil society not come out on the streets against a dictator’s acts in March 2007, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary stated on Saturday.

Due to efforts of the legal fraternity and other segments of society for the movement of rule of law, the public has greater confidence in the judiciary and lawyers, said the chief justice in his address to the 16th Roll Signing Ceremony of newly enrolled advocates of the Supreme Court. “Now, lawyers need to come up to expectations by providing justice to people at their doorstep.”

The chief justice said that reforms are needed in lower courts and observed that critics of the national judicial policy were now convinced of its efficacy. Maintaining the dignity of their profession is the primary duty of lawyers, he said. Justice cannot be delivered without cooperation between the bench and the bar. As the Supreme Court exercises appellate and original jurisdiction, you will have to assist the court. He said their submissions when incorporated into judgments will be preserved in the annals of history. Dr Faqir Hussain, Registrar Supreme Court welcomed the newly enrolled advocates and conducted the proceedings of the ceremony.





Published in The Express Tribune, May 22^nd, 2011.