Lawyers air varying views at LHC CJ’s farewell reference

Federal law officer hails Justice Khan’s services, Punjab AG stresses constitutional limits

LAHORE:

While Additional Attorney General Malik Naveed Sohail admired the work of outgoing Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice (CJ) Muhammad Qasim Khan at a full court reference held in his honour, Punjab Advocate General Ahmed Awais claimed that the court did not confine itself in constitutional limitations while deciding some matters.

The full court reference was held at the LHC premises in honour of the former CJ who retired on Monday. Several LHC judges including Chief Justice-designate Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti, law officers, representatives of bar associations and other lawyers were present on the occasion.

The chief justice-designate will take oath of office on today (Tuesday). The additional attorney general, who appeared on behalf of the attorney general of Pakistan, admired the work of the former LHC CJ, his way of conducting court proceedings, different initiatives and remarkable verdicts during his tenure.

On the other hand, Advocate General Awais, in a light mood, proposed, “We should put an end to following personal interests for avoiding to damage the image of the institution.”

He claimed that the LHC did not confine itself in constitutional limitations while deciding some matters relating to constitutional petitions. “Our conduct should be under the constitutional parameters and we should keep in view what is the difference between a king and a judge,” he remarked.

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Justice Khan had issued a show-cause notice against the provincial law officer on April 1, 2019 under the Contempt of Court Ordinance 2002 over his conduct during announcement of an interim order. Later, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar was summoned over the issue, who assured the court that the law officer would be replaced. After that Awais had to resign from this post.

Representatives of different bar associations applauded the role of the former LHC CJ, adding that his contribution in dispensing justice was remarkable and would be alive forever.

LHC Bar Association President Maqsood Buttar also shed light on the behaviour of a judge while conducting court proceedings. He said, “Aggressive conduct not only has an impact on the cases but also affects the lawyers and litigants.” He further requested the bench to adopt gentleness in conducting court proceedings.

He said the LHC had intervened in some election matters of Punjab Bar Council and Pakistan Bar Council, which, according to him, was regrettable.

He also criticised the procedure of LHC judges’ appointments. “No one will lift a finger if there will be a fair procedure,” he maintained.

Punjab Bar Council Vice Chairperson Amjad Khan opposed the views of Buttar, saying he should avoid such remarks in a full court reference.

Punjab Prosecutor General Arif Kamal Noon lauded the work and decisions which the former CJ had taken.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 6^th, 2021.