Judicial perks: Lawyers work with police to get cases, says MBA president

Says the investigation officers and court moharrars are involved in corruption.

KARACHI:

The judges and lawyers of district and sessions court, Malir, pledged to tackle corruption in the judiciary and agreed to improve coordination among themselves to provide speedy justice.

A ceremony was held on Wednesday by the Malir Bar Association (MBA) to welcome the newly appointed District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Yameen. He has replaced Imdad Hussain Khoso, who was transferred to Larkana last week.

“A few select lawyers are working in collusion with the police to get most of the cases,” revealed MBA president Ashraf Samoo.

“The investigation officers and court moharrars are involved in corruption,” he said. “The investigating officers also force the accused to hire certain lawyers so that they can earn a commission.” Samoo demanded that the investigating officers who have spent more than 10 years in one place be transferred.

MBA general secretary Lutfullah Seelro was critical of how the clauses of the judicial policy, especially in bail orders were followed. “The judicial policy states that a bail order should be completed in three days but sometimes it takes 15 to 20 days in court.”

“We are determined to eradicate corruption and for this we need the assistance and cooperation of the bar and staff,” Yameen vowed. “Point out corruption and other issues to me and I’ll take strict action against it.” He said that it was the responsibility of judges and lawyers to ensure quick delivery of justice to litigants.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2012.