Judiciary performing functions strictly within constitutional domain: CJ
In an apparent move to silence critics, the chief justice on Thursday asserted that the judiciary was performing functions purely within its constitutional domain.
“Being the defender of supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law, the judiciary stands at the highest pedestal in any democratic setup in the world,” said Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, addressing a gathering held to bid farewell to senior outgoing apex court judge Justice Mian Shakirullah Jan.
He said that an impartial, independent and accountable judicial sector was crucial for the protection of basic human rights, fair resolution of disputes and the sustainable economic and political development.
“Judiciary today is the greatest unified and integrating force of this country and is fully conversant of its basic duty to protect the rights of citizens as well as institutions against constitutional excesses,” stated the chief justice.
He maintained that the role of the superior courts in all modern democracies was crucial for protecting human rights, countering terrorism, curbing violence and checking corruption and ensuring good governance.
“Worldwide, the judgments of the superior courts are followed and implemented by the subordinate courts and state institutions for defending citizens’ rights rather than protecting government’s interests,” he said — hinting towards government’s refusal to write a letter to Swiss authorities regarding graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.
Before ending his speech, he said: “I am hopeful that all the state institutions and civil society will join hands for achieving the common goal of transforming Pakistan into a true welfare state by following the principles of rule of law, fairness, accountability, transparency and constitutional supremacy”.
Justice Jan retires
A reformist to the core, Justice Mian Shakirullah, the senior-most judge of the apex court after the chief justice himself retired on Thursday.
He was elevated as an Additional Judge of Peshawar High Court on December 13, 1993, and then confirmed as judge of the high court in 1995. He was then appointed as Chief Justice of Peshawar High Court, taking oath on 10th January, 2002.
Being chief justice, he initiated and introduced various reforms for the improvement of the provincial judiciary in terms of reducing delays, which included the creation of 107 new Courts.
Justice Jan was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on July 31, 2004. He is among those judges who had refused to take oath under the Provisional Constitution Order (PCO) of November 3, 2007, sponsored by former military dictator General Pervez Musharraf.
Justice Jan also served as acting chief election commissioner and his last tenure was from March 3, 2012, to July 22, 2012. During this period, he was part of the historic push to finalise credible computerised electoral rolls and brought many reforms in a historically toothless and stagnant body in light of the observations made by the Supreme Court.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 17th, 2012.
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The SC has neither taken account of presidential immunity under Article 248, nor, except in passing remarks about those seeking immunity having to apply to the court for it, attempted an interpretation of this Article. The government side has seemingly been reluctant to be drawn into an argument over Article 248, probably because it is its perception that it will not receive a sympathetic hearing from the SC, rather the reverse. The court’s insistence has begun to invite criticism of its approach, not the least from former Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Ms Asma Jahangir, whose words reflect the mounting anger against the judiciary in some legal circles. She has squarely accused the judiciary of delivering political rather than judicial verdicts. Her statement is lent at least partial support by the present SCBA president Yasin Azad, who has suggested to the court that perhaps the best solution to the conundrum is for the court to set up a commission to write the by now infamous letter. He has also pointed to the political and economic instability being caused by the air of uncertainty this standoff is producing in and around the country. Perhaps the middle way is not only the best, but also the only way out of this impasse.
Judiciary in Pakistan is one the most corrupt institutions in Pakistan.... may be police,revenue and judiciary in that order..Just a short visit to any of the Courts premises ( Kutcheries ) will tell the whole story.What has CJ done to lessen the sufferings of common people involved in court cases.Nothing ...Zero. He is just heading a power hungry judiciary and the Black Coats are its mafia goons. With his sons scandal becoming public the CJ should have resigned.It may not have been as per Constitution but surly would have been morally and ethically right....But then resignation is a word not in our dictionary.
Why has the investigation into charges against Arsalan Ifthikar Choudhry been stopped by SC?
The Chief inJustice should quote from the constitution, where judiciary can remove Prime Minister. He should also quote from the constitution where a dictator can be given the right to amend the constitution. Will he quote from the constitution of Pakistan where judge can be sworned in under PCO. So it is just a speach which every person raised to certain level delivers to the children of the lesser God.
@AnisAqeel: Modifying and rejected laws made by the parliament which are against the constitution is in the domain of the SC. The constitution is the basic framework or rules or boundary.If laws could be made outside that boundary what is the point of making a constitution?
Making such statements itself is against the constitution. But we are not sure what constitution you are taking about. 1973? Or the PCO, under which you took the oath of allegiance?
The reporter conveniently forgot that Mr. Jan is also a PCO judge. And he as a CEC acted as the chief polling agent of Mr. Bosan.
Than why you are not presenting record for Audit
this is a bold and revolutionary step for the betterment of our society and ultimately for the whole mankind.because everybody is subject to law and courts ,and in islam there is no excetion for anybody
Respect !