Corruption in district courts must be wiped out: CJP

Says anti-corruption cell will deal with miscreants within the judiciary

RAWALPINDI:
Corruption in the judicial system adversely affects and lowers public confidence in judicial system, Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry stated while addressing an inauguration ceremony of a lawyers’ club and chamber at the Rawalpindi district courts.

“About ninety per cent of litigants, at first stage, come in contact with the district judiciary. Therefore, the impression and confidence of the public regarding the judicial system is directly dependent upon their experience at this level,” the CJ said.

He also reiterated that additional courts are to be established at the district level where extra judges and necessary staff should be appointed on a priority basis to handle an increasing institution of fresh cases.


The number of cases pending in the district judiciary was much higher as compared to in the High Courts and the Supreme Court, he said, adding that the delay in dispensing justice not only causes inconvenience to litigants but also badly affects the fabric of socio-economic activities. “There is also a perpetual requirement for appointing judges in the various High Courts of the country,” the CJ emphasised.

The CJP highlighted that the National Judicial Policy (NPC) calls for strict adherence to a code of conduct by all   judicial officers and officials, as well as initiation of disciplinary action against those charged with corruption.  An anti-corruption cell for the judiciary has been established for this purpose.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7th, 2012.
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