Disorderly conduct: LHC staffer’s memoir evokes policy reminder from CJ

Circular states that staff writings on judges or court matters cannot be published without permission.

LAHORE:

Lahore High Court Chief Justice Ijaz Ahmad Chaudhry has issued a circular reminding court staff that they cannot publish articles/books, mentioning court matters or judges, without prior permission from his office.

The circular issued on October 4 and amended on October 10 came in the wake of the publication of a book by Ali Rehman, 60, an orderly (qasid) at the LHC.

‘The Story of a High Court Orderly’ (Adalat-i-Alia Ke Qasid Ki Kahani) was launched on September 16 in a ceremony at the Lahore High Court Bar Association. The event was presided over by Justice MA Shahid Siddiqi, now retired.

Justice Jawad S Khawaja, Justice Asad Munir, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice (retired) Ijaz Ahmed Chaudhry and Justice (retired) Fazal Karim were also present on the occasion.

Foreword to the book has been written by Justice (retired) KMA Samdani. It also contains a two-page note about the author by Justice Sayed Mansoor Ali Shah.

The circular issued on October 4 stated that all court staffers needed High Court chief justice’s permission to publish their writings. On October 10, however, another notification was issued limiting the requirement for permission to writings concerning court matters and judges. The court staffers are required to follow these instructions up to three years after their retirement. Strict disciplinary may be taken against those failing to comply with these orders, the circular added.

Ali Rehman declined comment on a query about whether or not he had obtained permission from the chief justice before publishing the book. He said it was not appropriate for him to issue statements to the media.

Pleasantly surprised

Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has congratulated Rehman on writing the book.  In a letter dated October 28, written after receiving a copy of the book, Justice Chaudhry has particularly praised Rehman’s account of certain judges during their service at the Lahore High Court.

The letter, expressing chief justice’s gratitude for the gift, is accompanied by a cheque in recognition of the author’s effort.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2011.