Judges must be held accountable: IHC top judge

Justice Athar Minallah suggests judges should stay away from social media, relatives

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Athar Minallah has said judges must be held accountable as they hold a position of responsibility.

“A judge must make independent decisions. It would not be right if a judge resolves only to give popular judgments. Judges should ensure impartiality during cases' proceedings in a bid to strengthen the judicial system and provide justice to the applicants,” he said on Wednesday.

The judge was addressing a seminar organised by the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA). The event was attended by a large number of lawyers and bar representatives.

The chief justice said judges should also stay away from social media as well as their relatives as these factors could also affect their impartiality.  “If someone wants to meet a judge inside his chamber and desires nobody knew this – this should be impossible,” he said.

He said the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had preached the Ummah to do justice with the people without any discrimination. A judge should decide the case indiscriminately, he said.

Justice Athar Minallah said social media sites have had a deep impact on society and state institution in the current era as they often spread rumours and level fake allegations against people. He said someone spread false news against him while he was abroad to participate in a conference but he ignored it.

The chief justice also highlighted the preaching of the Quran and the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to ensure justice in the society. He said to develop any country into a welfare state, it is essential to have a rule of law and freedom of judiciary. He lamented that giving false testimony is rampant in lower courts.

WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP