All are equal before law: Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry
Speaking at the oath taking ceremony of lawyers at the Multan High Court Bar Association late on Saturday, he said that justice was a quality attributed to Allah, and any judge who was sworn in, will be asked on the Day of Judgment that when they took their oath, did they mete out justice judiciously.
Backlogged cases reduced
Claiming that the reforms brought as a result of a new judicial policy implemented in 2009, the Chief Justice said that fruits of this policy have started reaching the common citizen.
“We don’t claim that we have achieved what we desired however, the results are encouraging,” he said before presenting the figures to back up his claim. He said that from the 17,80,364 cases pending in courts all over the country prior to the policy being implemented, the figure had dropped to 15,65,698 by June 2012.
“ This data reveals that the disputes were resolved expeditiously as envisaged in the spirit of the Article 37 (d) of the Constitution. Although much has been achieved by the tireless efforts of the Judges, lawyers, court staff and other stakeholders, however, we look forward to your further extended cooperation for the success in our mission. The recommendations to improve and make it more effective would always be welcome,” he said.
Illiteracy a hurdle to seek justice
The Chief Justice also pointed towards the lack of literacy among the masses as a hurdle in gaining justice and urged the lawayers to act as a bridge.
“In our society the litigants are unable to secure and protect their rights due to little literacy and unawareness. In this scenario the lawyers of our country are under more responsibility to protect the rights of the citizen,” he said, adding, “of course this is not the only duty and responsibility of the lawyer. They have their duties towards Court as well as the general public. “
He urged the lawyers to realise their responsibility to facilitate litigation and desist from knowingly prolong cases. “They [lawyers] should be well prepared in their cases to assist the court. Lawyers must not ask for the adjournments due to the lack of preparation of the cases which causes delay in the dispensation of justice.”
He also lashed out at the increasing lack of discipline among the lawyer fraternity. “They [lawyers] should regularly attend the courts, be punctual and must work with honesty, devotion and professionalism,“ he said in a veiled jibe at the frequent truancy of lawyers from courts on one pretext or another.
COMMENTS (22)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
CJ sahib. We are with you sir all the way!
Why do I see an organized campaign against judiciary and silence against corruption and plunder. There is hardly any comment on the gross mismanagement of the present government. Just compare the current position with the financial and international standing of Pakistan before this NROed government took office and within 4 years time thrown our nation into the deep sea of embarrassment in every field.
No need to clarify. We have seen it when the court stopped the investigation against Arsalan.
Pakistan has passed through cycles of dictatorship of military, civilian government and judiciary several times and this keeps on repeating. Media has also been a part of this cycle. Citizens have tried all groups in turns hoping for their betterment, but have always been disappointed. Every institution, as soon as it gains the confidence and made powerful by the Citizens, starts immediately to display dictatorial attitude. Irrespective of whichever group the Citizens have supported, they have always been left deeply disappointed. Pakistan can achieve peace and prosperity only if its institutions change their attitude.
Doesn't look to me. Some appear more equal than others. People are losing trust in the impartiality.
In the melting pot of ethnic identities in Sindh, Southern Punjab, Southern KP and Balochistan. People who voted for PPP are seething with rage for efforts to target it, which destabilizes democracy without which Pakistan will not survive.
Khalid
What about ur are u treating the same mr cj
Sorry to say but You are good in politics only.
CJP is the only ray of hope for millions of Pakistanies...we salute you and all your colleagues who have restored the confidence of common people of Pakistan in the Judiciary....
Honourable Chief Justice Sahab you have a law in which the judges have to dispose of in 60 days. People have gone for it but it is taking years. Was it a trap that people instead of taking some other route must get stuck in a defunct judicial system. If it is 60 days it must be 60 days otherwise it seems judiciary is not serious in people's affairs and and their welfare but politician affairs and their welfare. I am talking of Illegal Dispossession Act 2005.
Don't make us fool. . . !!!
CJ Iftikhar means what he says. He has proved so, thus far.
Well Said sir, we support you.
All are equal before law, does "ALL" include Cheif Justice too?
I hope that includes your son too !
CJ sahib are ahmadis and minorities are equal citizens and if they are give them their rights and protect them from abuses of islamic extremist.
except for junior, of course!
All judges are equal before the Dictators.
Yes! All are equal before law except he himself and his talented son. Borrowing from George Orwell, "some are more equal than others."
Who is asking for ur comments, u r not a politician stop giving comments