Mobile courts: Two centres at PHC, a Radio Meezan hotline to register cases

Eventually a system would be introduced to allow a live online feed of legal proceedings.

PESHAWAR:

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) plans to set up two complaint offices on its premises where people can file cases which will be then forwarded to the newly-inaugurated mobile courts.

Talking to journalists in his chambers, PHC Chief Justice (CJ) Dost Muhammad Khan said Radio Meezan will also receive new cases and complaints over the phone.



“The court will then travel to the areas where it receives complaints from and will be given complete security to provide justice to people at their doorsteps.”

A set-up which would enable people to view the mobile court’s proceedings live online is also in the offing, added CJ Khan. “This will show how transparent our system is.”

“We will also get four new mobile courts with articulated joints so they can easily navigate curves in narrow lanes,” shared the justice.

In response to a question, the CJ remarked the mobile court initiative is permanent, “Provision of speedy justice is our mission.”

CJ inaugurated the first-ever travelling courts in Pakistan on July 27 for the province. On its very first day, the court heard six cases. The idea of starting mobile courts was presented to CJ Khan soon after his appointment in November 2011.



According to the plan, the court moves to different parts of the province, hearing cases and giving verdicts on the go. Minor issues and disputes are also solved on the way.

The vehicles run on solar energy with backup generators. Each mobile court, financed by the UNDP, costs Rs15 million.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2013.